MoFPI task force to resolve food processing sector’s issues, says Badal

Union food processing industries minister HarsimratKaur Badal assured industry representatives that a dedicated task force hadbeen established to resolve all problems being faced by the food processing andancillary industries during the current Covid-19 lockdown.

In a video conference with major industryassociations such as CII (the Confederation of Indian Industry), FICCI (theFederation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry), ASSOCHAM (theAssociated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India), PHDCCI (PHD Chambers ofCommerce and Industry), AIFPA (the All India Food Processors’ Association),ICC, FINER and DICCI, she added that the task force included all seniorofficials of the food processing ministry and members of Invest India.

Badal said the team had already received 222 issues,out of which 98 had been resolved, and the rest were under process ofresolution.

During the video conference, industryrepresentatives told the minister that though directions had been sent to allstate governments about the need for allowing the manufacturing and movement ofessential items, they were being interpreted in different ways by them. Theystressed the need for a uniform format for all states regarding themanufacturing and movement of food products.

The representatives shared the problems related tofactory shutdown, permission to operate warehouses, personnel movement andlogistic disruption, and added that required labour was not available forsmooth manufacturing and that there was a shortage of transport also. Theystated that kirana stores should be allowed to open across the country toensure the forward linkage was established.

Badal said, “Talks would be initiated with thetransport unions to ensure smooth supply of food material and access to rawmaterials by the food processing industry.”

She assured industry representatives that she wouldreview all suggestions and grievances submitted by them to the task force.