Shimla: Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan today here informed that Himachal Pradesh has been awarded the “Best State in Food Processing Award-2024” for its outstanding work in introducing innovative programs in the food processing sector. He said that these initiatives have significantly impacted the lives of millions of farmers and the rural population of the state.
He said that the award was presented by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister, Nitin Gadkari at the “Agriculture Leadership Conclave” organized by the “Agriculture Today Group” in New Delhi on July 10, 2024. Resident Commissioner, Himachal Pradesh, New Delhi, Meera Mohanty received it on behalf of the Department of Industries.
Harshwardhan Chauhan lauded the efforts of Industries Department and said that the food processing was a priority sector for the department as it provides value addition and positively impacts the rural economy. This recognition underscores our commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in food processing.
He said that the state government has significantly enhanced the food processing infrastructure in the state. There are 23 designated food parks, one dedicated mega food park and two agro processing clusters in district Kangra and Solan in the state. Additionally, 18 Cold Chain Projects and numerous food processing units have been established under the State Mission on Food Processing Scheme and the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, he added.
He further said that last year, the state was also adjudged as the ‘Outstanding Performing State’ under the Prime Minister Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme at the World Food India event. Under this scheme, 1320 individual micro food processing enterprises have been sanctioned and significant credit-linked subsidies and seed capital have been disbursed to Self Help Groups(SHGs) and members, said the Minister.
