Parkash Singh Badal gives nod to waive off EDC for upcoming food parks

CHANDIGARH: In a move aimed at boosting the food processing industry, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today gave nod to waive off External Development Charges (EDC) for upcoming food parks in the state.

Presiding over a high-level meeting to review the status of implementation of the mega food parks approved by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, here, Badal underscored the need of exempting food parks from the EDC so as to give fillip to the industry and opening new avenues for the farmers.

The minister said that food parks could act as a game changer for the farmers by offering them handsome returns of their produce besides promoting the food processing and cold chain industry in the state.

He said that thrust must be laid on the development of these food parks to immensely benefit the farmers.

"Exemption from payment of EDC on purchase of land for the upcoming food parks will facilitate their setting in the state," he said, according to an official release.

During the deliberations, the chief minister also laid thrust that these mega food parks must ensure highest levels of pollution control norms.

He said the food parks must set up zero liquid discharge technologies/facilities to check environmental pollution.

Badal also appreciated the steps initiated for setting up of mega food parks at Ladhowal, Ludhiana by Punjab Agro Industries Corporation and at village Rehana Jattan, Phagwara by Sukhjit Starch and Chemicals Ltd.

Meanwhile, the state government also decided to provide state guarantee to Punjab Agro Industrial Corporation (PAIC) for availing term loan from Nabard for Ladhowal Mega Food Park.