CODEX STANDARDS FOR PICKLES PLANNED
Government is trying
to formulate codex standards for our traditional products like
pickles so that there is a better acceptance of these items in
the international markets. This was stated here today by Shri
N T. Shanmugam, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Food
Processing Industries while addressing a National Seminar on Aachar
and Murabba organised by NNS Online Private Limited here today.
Further, the Government will be bringing the domestic food standards
as close as possible to codex standards since WTO has recognised
Codex as Reference Standards for any dispute in the international
trade, he said.
The Ministry of Food
Processing Industries provides financial assistance for setting
up, expansion and modernisation of units. The Ministry also provides
grant-in-aid to the extent of 25 per cent in general areas and
33 per cent in difficult areas on the total cost of the machinery
and technical civil work subject to a maximum of Rs. 50 lakh and
Rs. 75 lakh respectively. However, the Ministry has received only
very few applications from manufacturers of pickles and preserves
for availing of this financial assistance, Shri Shanmugam pointed
out and urged the food processors to make efforts jointly with
the Government for the growth of food processing industries.
The Minister underlined
the need for improving the quality of the finished products including
packaging. In order to reduce the cost of production it is necessary
to increase the volume by automation and modernisation keeping
high standards of hygiene. He also urged the food processing industries
to popularise pickles and preserves in the international markets
and make India a strong base for the export of these products.
