National Mission on Food Processing – NMFP is a broad initiative of the Government of India aimed at developing and promoting food processing. It was launched in 2012 with the aim of enhancing India’s agriculture economy, reducing waste and creating employment by adding value to farm products.
The NMFP Objectives
- Promote the establishment of primary processing centres near farms for after-harvest operations.
- Encourage R&D for food processing to improve products and processes.
- Supporting more industries that process food, increasing the number of jobs.
- Reduce the waste of agricultural products and horticultural goods.
- Improving the exports of processed food by ensuring that they meet international standards.
The Key Components of the NMFP
1. Food Processing Industry Technology Upgrade, Modernization and Establishment Scheme
The scheme is designed to help small and medium businesses (SMEs) upgrade and modernize their processes and technology.
- Example: The small mango pulp production unit upgraded its equipment to improve the quality and reduce waste.
2. Abattoirs – Modernisation/expansion/setting up
This component concentrates on improving infrastructure, hygiene and processing techniques.
- Example: Modernization of slaughterhouses to meet international standards in Uttar Pradesh.
3. Human Resource Development
This includes training programs and the development of entrepreneurs and farmers in the food industry.
- Example: Workshops for Punjabi farmers on food processing, value-adding and its benefits.
4. Institutional Development
Supporting food-processing organizations to improve their infrastructure.
- Example: Spending on food research to improve research output and facilities.
5. Cold Chain Infrastructure Development
This component is designed to create a cold-chain infrastructure that will preserve perishable items such as fruits, vegetables and dairy products.
- Example: Maharashtra has established cold storage units to preserve grapes while ensuring minimum wastage.
The Impact of NMFP
- Food processing’s contribution has increased significantly to the GDP.
- Employment opportunities in rural areas, particularly, will be improved.
- Reduce the waste of agricultural products that are perishable.
- Export of processed foods is on the rise.
- Price realization improvements can improve the income of farmers.
The Challenges of Climate Change and Their Solutions
Despite its successes, NMFP still faces many challenges.
1. Infrastructure Deficiency
- The lack of infrastructure in rural areas can affect the growth of food processing businesses.
Solution: The government has launched a number of initiatives to encourage the private sector and build infrastructure in rural areas.
2. Inadequate Awareness
- Farmers and entrepreneurs rarely know about the resources and assistance available to them under NMFP.
Solution: Education and awareness campaigns at the grassroots level.
3. The Funding Problem
- Small and medium-sized businesses often have difficulty obtaining funding to set up their business or upgrade it.
Solution: Simplifying the loan process and offering subsidies in order to promote investment.
Case Studies
Case Study No. 1: Mango Processing In Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh, India’s leading mango producer. Several mango-processing units were set up under the NMFP. The result was:
- Value addition is enhanced and wastage reduced.
- Mango farmers are earning more money.
- Andhra Pradesh’s contribution to India’s agriculture exports has increased significantly due to the increase in exports of mango-pulp.
Case Study No. 2: Cold Storage Units In Uttarakhand
The lack of refrigeration facilities in the hilly regions of Uttarakhand causes significant loss of produce. Cold storage projects funded by the NMFP resulted in
- Fruits and vegetables: How to preserve their quality.
- Farmers get a higher price for their produce.
- The region’s economy will improve with the reduction of post-harvest loss.
Future Perspectives
NMFP aims, going forward, to be in line with current agricultural and market trends. It includes:
- Use technology to improve farming practices and processes.
- More opportunities to start ups in the food processing industry.
- Focus on eco-friendly and sustainable processing methods
- Enhancing partnership with international entities to promote knowledge exchange and investments.
FAQs
- 1. What is National Mission on Food Processing?
- NMFP was established in India by the government of that country. Its aim is to develop and promote the sector for food processing, which will improve agriculture, decrease waste and increase employment.
- 2. What support does NMFP provide to small and medium businesses (SMEs) within the food processing industry?
- NMFP is offering financial assistance to SMEs in the form of technology upgrades, modernization, and establishment of food-processing units. This will increase their productivity.
- 3. What are the main objectives of NMFP?
- The key objectives are to promote post-harvest activities, support R&D and create employment in food processing.
- 4. What is the role of NMFP in developing cold storage infrastructure?
- NMFP provides funding for the construction of cold chain infrastructure. This includes the installation of cold storage facilities, which ensures better preservation and protection of perishable items such as fruit, vegetables, dairy products, etc.
- 5. Please provide some examples.
- Some examples include modernizing mango processing units and establishing cold storage units, both of which are proving to be beneficial for local farmers as well as the economy.
- 6. What are some of the biggest challenges facing NMFP today?
- The main obstacles are infrastructure deficits, insufficient awareness and lack of funding. To address these challenges, the government will use rural infrastructure programs, education campaigns, and simplified loans processes.
- 7. What is NMFP’s role in boosting the export of processed food?
- NMFP boosts exports by improving the competitiveness of Indian food products on global markets. It does this through financial and technical assistance for improvement in processes, and meeting international standards.
- 8. How has NMFP affected employment in the food sector?
- NMFP’s promotion of the creation of food-processing units, and their infrastructure has led to a significant increase in employment, particularly rurally, as well as a contribution to economic growth.
- 9. What are the future goals of NMFP?
- The future prospects for NMFP are maximizing technology to create smart farming. They also include creating start-up opportunities, focusing sustainable processing techniques, and strengthening international partnerships in knowledge exchange and investments.
- 10. How can entrepreneurs and farmers benefit from NMFP benefits?
- The NMFP can be used by farmers and entrepreneurs to access the resources and training provided through the Mission. This includes participating in awareness campaigns organized by the government, obtaining financial support for the establishment or upgrade of processing units and using the available training and development materials.
