Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, bagged the 'Best State Award in Food Processing-2024' for its excellent work through various programs in the sector, state Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan said on Thursday.
In a statement issued here, he said these initiatives have significantly impacted the lives of millions of farmers and rural population of the state.
He said the award was presented by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari at the 'Agriculture Leadership Conclave' organized by the 'Agriculture Today Group' in New Delhi on Wednesday.
Meera Mohanty, Resident Commissioner of Himachal Pradesh in Delhi, received the award on behalf of the Industries Department.
Chauhan said food processing is a priority sector for the industries department as it provides value addition and positively impacts the rural economy. This recognition underscores the state's commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in food processing.
She said the state government has significantly improved the food processing infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh. There are 23 designated food parks, one mega food park and two agro-processing clusters in the state.
Besides, 18 cold chain projects and numerous food processing units have been established under the State Mission on Food Processing Scheme and the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, he added.
Last year, the state was recognized as an 'Outstanding Performing State' under the Prime Minister's Program for Formalization of Food Processing Micro Enterprises (PMFME) at the World Food India event, the minister said.
Under this scheme, 1,320 micro food processing enterprises have been sanctioned and substantial subsidies linked to credit and start-up capital have been disbursed to the Self Help Groups (SHGs) and their members, he added.
In a statement issued here, he said these initiatives have significantly impacted the lives of millions of farmers and rural population of the state.
He said the award was presented by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari at the 'Agriculture Leadership Conclave' organized by the 'Agriculture Today Group' in New Delhi on Wednesday.
Meera Mohanty, Resident Commissioner of Himachal Pradesh in Delhi, received the award on behalf of the Industries Department.
Chauhan said food processing is a priority sector for the industries department as it provides value addition and positively impacts the rural economy. This recognition underscores the state's commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in food processing.
She said the state government has significantly improved the food processing infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh. There are 23 designated food parks, one mega food park and two agro-processing clusters in the state.
Besides, 18 cold chain projects and numerous food processing units have been established under the State Mission on Food Processing Scheme and the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, he added.
Last year, the state was recognized as an 'Outstanding Performing State' under the Prime Minister's Program for Formalization of Food Processing Micro Enterprises (PMFME) at the World Food India event, the minister said.
Under this scheme, 1,320 micro food processing enterprises have been sanctioned and substantial subsidies linked to credit and start-up capital have been disbursed to the Self Help Groups (SHGs) and their members, he added.
