Domestic food processing capacity has grown in recent years to over 20 million tonnes. This is due to the steps taken by the government to improve the agro-industrial system. This sector provides investment opportunities for both Indians and foreigners. Chirag Paswan, who has become the minister of food processing for the first time, has to focus on working on the major programs of the ministry.
They first have to speed up the mega food park projects. Though 41 such food parks were approved, only 24 have been started so far and 17 are in various stages of implementation. In mid-May, the ministry released a consolidated list of 325 small food parks with the help of NABARD.
CHIRAAG aims to implement the projects effectively and connect Indian producers to domestic/international markets.
What needs to be done
Promotion of PLI scheme
Along with food parks, the ministry would also need to encourage private players through production initiatives in ready-to-cook/eat products, fruits/vegetables, marine and dairy products
Estate Planning
In 2017, 32 food processing projects were approved in 17 states under the PM Sampada Yojana to generate employment, create processing/preservation capacity and prevent wastage. This needs to be strengthened
Crop Varieties
A better legal framework is needed to enable companies to work with farmers to grow crop varieties suitable for food processing. For this, the ministry needs to work with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the states
Chirag Paswan, 41 years: LJP, Minister of Food Processing Industries
Debut and step into movies
Born in 1982, Chirag Paswan is the son of Lok Janshakti Party founder and former Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan. After dropping out of his computer engineering course, Chirag acted in the film Milen Na Milen Hum. His heroine in the film? First-time MP Kangana
Legacy of Dalit politics
Paswan won the Jamui seat in Bihar in 2014 and 2019, after his father’s death in June 2021, a bitter struggle broke out between him and uncle Pashupatinath Paras over Ram Vilas’ legacy. LJP split, Chirag became leader of LJP (Ram Vilas)
the fruit of faith
The NDA took cognizance and gave Chirag five Lok Sabha seats. He reciprocated by winning all the seats. Chirag is now an MP from Hajipur
Ravneet Singh BittuMinister of State, 48 years: BJP, Also, Minister of State, Ministry of Railways
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Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying; Rural Development and Panchayati Raj
Livestock census is the first priority
– Himanshu Shekhar
The Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying came into existence in May 2019. After this, the contribution of these sectors in providing livelihood to millions of people and their important role in the economic growth of the country was recognized. The contribution of livestock in the GVA (gross value addition) of agriculture and allied sectors has increased from 24.4 percent (2014-15) to 30.2 percent (2021-22).
India is now the largest milk producer in the world and is also home to the largest livestock population. Fisheries is also an emerging sector, witnessing a record production of 175.5 lakh tonnes (8 per cent of global production) in FY 2022-23. Fisheries contributes 6.7 per cent to agricultural GVA.
What needs to be done
Effective PMMSY
The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana worth Rs 20,050 crore was launched with the aim of strengthening the fisheries sector and empowering fishermen communities. However, the projects running under it have declined in the recent past
KCC coverage detail
In 2018-19, provision was made to provide Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facility to people associated with animal husbandry, dairy and fisheries sector. But it has not yet got the expected coverage.
Livestock census
The 21st National Livestock Census is to be held in 2024. This data is very important for better implementation of livestock welfare programs.
AHID Fund
Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development (AHID) Fund was created to encourage private investment in this sector. But it has still not been successful in creating state-of-the-art infrastructure
Ownership plan
The survey and mapping scheme i.e. ‘Swamitva Yojana’, launched with the objective of providing ‘record of rights’ to rural families, is ending in 2025. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj will have to complete the demarcation of populated land before that.
Rajeev Ranjan Singh, 69: JD(U), Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Rural Development & Panchayati Raj
Helpful in friendship:
Munger MP Rajiv Ranjan alias Lallan Singh was surrounded by troubles when he was removed from the post of JDU president. It was told that his relationship with Nitish Kumar had deteriorated due to his friendship with RJD. But then news came that he played a major role in the party’s return to the saffron camp. He has also been rewarded for his victory.
S.P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State 49 years: BJP
– Baghel, who became MP from Agra for the second time, has also been a Minister of State in Modi 2.0. His experience as Animal Husbandry Minister in UP will help him in this new responsibility.
George Kurien63 years, BJP
– Kurien has been a part of Kerala BJP since the 80s. He helped BJP win its first Lok Sabha seat in Thrissur. Kurien, who missed the Panchayati Raj ministry, got the responsibility of Minority Affairs