New Delhi, Aug 4: As part of the Sagarmala Programme of the Ministry of Shipping, two Mega Food Parks (MFP) projects are being implemented in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh and Southern Maharashtra by the Ministry of Food Processing. The projects are strategically situated in CEZs (Coastal Economic Zone) with proximity to ports and will give boost to the EXIM trade for food processing sector.
The Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Mega Food Park at Krishna with its proximity to Vizagand Kakinada port will draw its synergies from Vizag Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC) in North Andhra Pradesh. The total cost of the project is estimated to be Rs 184.88 crore. The other project, Satara Mega Food Park is being set up in the coastal economic zone of South Konkan in Maharashtra with proximity to Dighi, Jaigarh and Marmugao Port. The total cost of the project is estimated to be Rs 139.33 crore and is expected to be completed by February next year.
With the growing global demand of the food processed in India, the food processing sector needs to be efficient in terms of logistic costs, transit costs and infrastructural facilities in order to be competitive. Considering this need, an integrated plan for port -led -industrialization has been developed under the Sagarmala programme in line with global best practices, which combines the growth potential of port-linked industries with the competitive location for various industries. The proximity to various ports for these industrial clusters & CEZs will provide necessary infrastructural facilities and connectivity to the hinterland, thus ensuring reduction in logistic costs.
The Ministry of Food Processing is considering setting up other Mega Food Parks (MFP) projects in the areas earmarked under the Sagarmala National Perspective Plan.
