MP Arora meets Cabinet Minister for Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan

Ludhiana, June 22, 2024: MP (Rajya Sabha) from Ludhiana Sanjeev Arora met the Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan in Delhi on Friday and congratulated him on his recent appointment as a Minister in the Modi Government. Arora said, “I would like to bring your attention to some critical issues concerning the implementation of Central Government schemes in the State of Punjab vis a vis Food Processing Industry.”

In a statement on Saturday, Arora said during his meeting, he sought urgent attention of the Ministry for Food Processing Industries in Punjab. He apprised the Minister about current state of mega food parks in Punjab. He stated that Punjab has two approved Mega Food Parks - the International Mega Food Park in Fazilka and the Sukhjit Mega Food Park in Kapurthala. 

However, Arora expressed his deeply concern about current situation of the two Mega Food Parks in Punjab. He apprised the Minister that the International Mega Food Park in Fazilka is unfortunately a “nonstarter,” thus it is a “Defunct Mega Food Park.” Regarding Sukhjit Mega Food Park, he apprised the Minister that it is still not fully utilized for several reasons.

Arora said there are a couple of industry's suggestions to make Food Processing Industry successful in Punjab. Citing these suggestions, he apprised the Minister that for Mega Food Processing Parks 50 Acres is too huge of a land parcel in Punjab. Land is costlier and scarcely available in Punjab. Therefore, it was suggested to giving incentives at par of Mega Food Processing Parks to single unit Food Processing projects. Recognising Punjab's strong agricultural base, Arora urged upon the Minister to consider introducing special incentives for the export of processed food products originating from Punjab. He pointed out that this would function as a significant boost to the state's food processing industry.

Briefing the Minister about Punjab's potential, Arora stated that Punjab has immense potential to become a leader in the food processing sector. He said by addressing the concerns highlighted by him and implementing the suggested measures, a thriving ecosystem can be created that generates jobs, empowers farmers, and unlocks new opportunities for the state's economic growth.

During this meeting, Arora expressed his confidence that under the Minister’s leadership, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries can play a pivotal role in achieving this vision. 

Arora said the meeting was held on a positive note. “The Minister highly appreciated my ideas and suggestions and assured to implement them,” said Arora. He thanked the Minister for favourable approach.