ONGOING INITIATIVE

The Department of Food Processing Industries and Horticulture Government of West Bengal has initiated the process of developing a Food Processing Sector Policy 2023 for the state, which will encompass produce in horticulture, agriculture, animal resources, dairying and fisheries. The Department of Animal Resources Development and Department of Fisheries are working jointly with the Department of Food Processing Industries and Horticulture to develop this policy.

Aspiration Bengal Foundation has been entrusted to do the policy drafting work, consult experts, industries and their associations and other concerned stakeholders. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is a collaborating institution and is providing required assistance to facilitate the policy development process.

An approach paper to policy development was prepared by ABF and it was released by the Government of West Bengal on 30th December 2022 at the ABF conclave. This has been widely covered by the media. ABF will initiate discussions with industries, prospective investors, producer organizations, and seek inputs from all concerned stakeholders into the policy making process.