Jobs rise in food processing sector

"Direct employment during the last five years has grown from 3.9 million to 4.4 million and indirect employment has grown from 6 million to 9 million," Minister for Food Processing Industries Subodh Kant Sahai said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.

It is estimated that for every Rs 1 crore (Rs 10 million) invested, 18 jobs are created directly, 64 jobs indirectly in the organized sector, and 20 jobs in the unorganised sector across the supply chain, he said.

In a separate reply, the minister said over 25,000-30,000 farmers have directly or indirectly benefited under the Infrastructure Development Scheme in Andhra Pradesh.

The government is implementing several schemes for promotion of food processing industry, he said, adding, it has received about 159 proposals seeking assistance for setting up new units and expansion of existing units in Punjab.