All operational food parks , including the examples above , are already sourcing a range of raw materials directly and indirectly from a minimum of about 5000-6000 farmers each . They are already contributing in a big way to reducing wastage of agri and horticulture produce , through more than 2.5 lakh MT capacity of modern cold and ambient warehousing that has been created in these projects . These storage facilities also provided logistical support and relief during the COVID lockdown too as Mega Food Parks continued to operate and offer services .
Some Mega Food Parks have encouraged and even assisted farmers in their project clusters to experiment and diversify . Many farmers have taken up horticulture for two main reasons – surety of buyback and creation of farm gate infrastructure such as packhouses and logistics support provided by the Mega Food Parks . It has been seen in various locations that FPOs , being promoted heavily by governments , have found a market for their produce in these mega food parks . Bright Outlook
When all 41 projects are complete and fully operational with their central facilities and food processing units , more than 15 lakh farmers in these project clusters would benefit . It is evident that such support through Mega Food Parks will enthuse many more farmers and FPOs to focus on better and processable
“ The data over the last 3-4 years shows that things have gradually changed for the better , with more than 50 % of allotted Mega Food Parks having become operational and starting to attain gestation .” produce and food parks are already playing and shall continue to play an important role in moulding the future of India ’ s agriculture sector .
In the post-Covid world , global food supply chains are undergoing major realignments . Given India ’ s inherent strengths and renewed focus from Government , India can emerge as a major global sourcing hub and also a major consumption market , thus creating a huge opportunity for Indian businesses and start-ups . Mega Food Parks will no doubt pave the way to transform the agriculture sector and unlock its real potential though processing and value addition .
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