Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), under its scheme of Research & Development in processed food sector, extends financial assistance as grant-in-aid to various institutions/universities, Public funded organisations and recognised Research & Development (R&D) laboratories both in public and private sector, to promote and undertake demand driven R&D work in Food Processing Sector including citrus fruits & storage of pulses, for design & development of equipment, improved storage, self life etc.
It has been the endeavour of the Government to promote food processing industry in the country to reduce wastage of agricultural produce and minimise post- harvest losses. With the above in view, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) is implementing various Central Sector Schemes, namely (i) Mega Food Parks. (ii) Integrated Cold Chain, Value Addition and Preservation Infrastructure (iii) Setting up/ Modernisation of Abattoirs and (iv) Scheme for Quality Assurance, Research & Development and Other Promotional Activities. Ministry also has 2 academic cum research institutes viz. National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) and Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology(IIFPT) both of which offer B.Tech, M.Tech and PhD programmes and undertake research in food processing including reduction in post harvest losses.
In addition, National Horticulture Mission (NHM) and National Horticulture Board (NHB), under Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare are also providing assistance for setting up cold storage under their respective schemes to reduce post harvest losses.