Bengal receives Rs 500-cr investment proposals in food industry

Our Bureau Updated - September 07, 2012 at 09:28 PM.

Investment binge: Visitors are seen inquiring about a biscuit-making machine at Foodtech India 2012, an international exhibition for the food processing, packaging, bakery, confectionery, hotel and food service industry, whichstarted in Kolkata on Friday. — Photo: A. Roy Chowdhury

The West Bengal Government has received investment proposals worth Rs 500 crore in the food processing industry over the past year.

“The State Government has investment proposals worth Rs 500 crore in the food processing sector, including proposals for setting up food parks,” State Minister for food processing industry, Ujjwal Biswas, told reporters on Friday.

Infrastructure Subsidy

He was inaugurating the three-day international food and hospitality exhibition, Foodtech India 2012, in the city. About 75 companies, including some international brands, are participating in the exhibition.

Entrepreneurship training

The minister said the Government would offer a subsidy of up to Rs 50 lakh to develop infrastructure for the bakery industry.

According to him, plans are on to kick-off an entrepreneurship training programme for the micro and small food processing enterprises.

“We are prepared to start this training in 100 blocks as a pilot project,” Biswas said.

>ayan.pramanik@thehindu.co.in

Published on September 7, 2012 15:10