Context: Recently, the government has operationalized the first Mega Food Park (MFP) of Mizoram i.e. Zoram Mega Food Park which has been set up under the ‘Mega Food Park Scheme’.
Key Points

• This is the first Mega Food Park operationalized in the State of Mizoram.
• It is spread over 55 acres of land and is set up at a cost of Rs. 75. 20 crores.
• Under the Mega Food Park Scheme, Government of India provides financial assistance upto Rs. 50.00 Crore per Mega Food Park project.
• Presently, 18 Mega Food Park Projects are under implementation in various states and 19 Mega Food Parks have already become functional in the States.
• Assam already has a MFP in its Nalbari district- North East Mega Food Park.

The Benefits of the Park

• The Zoram Mega Food Park (MFP) will provide direct and indirect employment to 5,000 persons and benefit about 25,000 farmers in the CPC (Core Processing Centre) and PPC (primary processing Centre) catchment areas.
• The Park will leverage an additional investment of about Rs. 250 Crore in about 30 food processing units in the park.
• The modern infrastructure for food processing created at the MFP will benefit the farmers, growers, processors and consumers of Mizoram and adjoining areas immensely.
• The park will help in enhancing the income of farmers and ensuring fair price of farm produce.
• The Facilities at Zoram MFP will not only reduce food wastage but would also lead to value addition in food products.
• It will boost the North-East Region’s potential to become the organic destination of the world due to its rich agricultural and horticultural produce.
• Sikkim has already been declared as an organic state.

About Mega Food Park Scheme

• Ministry: Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries
• Launched: The Mega Food Park Scheme was launched in 2008.
• Objective: The primary objective of the Scheme is to provide modern infrastructure facilities for food processing along the value chain from the farm to the market with a cluster-based approach based on a hub and spokes model.
• It has a cluster based approach based on a hub and spokes model.
• Under the Mega Food Park Scheme, Government of India provides financial assistance upto Rs. 50.00 Crore per Mega Food Park project.

Implementation

• Implemented by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) which is a Body Corporate registered under the Companies Act.
• State Government, State Government entities and Cooperatives are not required to form a separate SPV for implementation of Mega Food Park project.
• Subject to fulfillment of the conditions of the Scheme Guidelines, the funds are released to the SPVs.

Aims of the scheme

• To create modern infrastructure for the food processing
• To enhance value addition of agriculture produce
• Reduction in wastage
• Capacity building of producers and processors
• Increase realization for farmers
• Employment creation, especially in rural areas.

Main Features of Scheme

• Core Processing: Mechanized sorting & grading, packaging, warehouse, silos, CA/MA/Frozen /Cold Storage, pulping, IQF, ripening chambers, QC Lab, etc.
• Enabling Basic Infrastructure: Industrial plots, internal roads, drainage, water, electricity, ETP, STP, weigh bridge, etc.
• Non-core Infrastructure: Admin building, training centre, canteen, workers’ hostel etc.