Haryana Government today signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 2,069 crore with 44 agro-based and food processing enterprises and establishments

Chandigarh, Nov 4–The Haryana Government today signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 2,069 crore with 44 agro-based and food processing enterprises and establishments which will provide employment to 5,012 persons.
The MoUs were signed in the presence of the Chief Minister, Mr. Manohar Lal, at the Haryana Session on the second day of the three-day World Food India, 2017 organised in New Delhi, today. Assuring the investors all possible assistance, the Chief Minister said the state government would soon implement the Agri-Business and Food Processing Policy, 2017.
He said the state government was working at different levels to double the income of farmers by making agriculture profitable. As compared to 2015-16, food production has increased by 8.67 per cent in 2016-17. Similarly, as compared to 2011-14, milk production has increased by 16.9 per cent between 2014 and 2017, and production of fish has gone up by 20.1 per cent.
There is great potential for investment in the agri-based and food processing industry sector. To make this sector investor-friendly, Agri-Business and Food Processing Policy, 2017 would soon be implemented. New drivers of growth such as agro-marketing reforms, development of mega food parks, registration of more FPOs, promotion of start-ups in agri-business and providing conducive business climate have been given due emphasis in the policy.
The Chief Minister said in terms of the Ease of Doing Business, Haryana has advanced to second place from sixth place. Recognising the importance of agro and food processing sector, the Enterprise Promotion Policy 2015 identified it as one of the thrust areas. Several incentives such as investment subsidy on SGST, interest subsidy at the rate of six per cent, support for primary processing centres, stamp duty refund, external development charge exemption and power tariff subsidy have been made available to food processing units in the state.
After the Haryana Session, the Chief Minister inspected the stalls put up by various establishments by going around the Haryana Pavilion at World Food India, 2017. As many as 14 food processing units of private sector are exhibiting their products and processing procedures. Besides, seven boards, corporations and government departments related to food sector are also participating in the World Food India, 2017.
President-designate, Confederation of Indian Industry, Mr. Rakesh Bharti Mittal, Haryana Chief Secretary, Mr. D.S. Dhesi, and Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, Mr. Sudhir Rajpal, also spoke at the Haryana Session.