This document summarizes a discussion on attracting investment in food processing in the North East states of India. It outlines conventional modes of state support for the private sector such as industrial licensing, subsidies, and freight equalization. Key issues for investors in the region are discussed, including supply chain management, project support, capacity development, land rights, and technology availability. Implementation hurdles of support schemes and possible solutions are also presented, such as improving awareness, coordinating state and central agencies, and developing a capacity development strategy.

1. Attracting Investment in Food
Processing : Issues for States of
North East India- A discussion.
Facilitator : Dr.M.Islam Barbaruah
Director, Vet Helpline India Pvt.Ltd
& Chief Development Strategist, FARMER
( Fellowship for Agri Resource Management and
Entrepreneurship Research )
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2. Conventional Mode of State Support to
Private Sector:
 Industrial Licensing
 Concessional Finance
 Investment Subsidy
 Growth Centers
 Freight Equalization
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3. Issues for Investors in North East
 Supply chain Management
 Project level Handholding.
 Capacity Development
 Cost Assumptions
 Asset ownership ( e.g. Land rights )
 Revision of ceiling ( Upper limit on project size )
 Tools and Technology availability.
 Image, Attitude & Leadership
 ……………………
 …………………...
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4. Issues for Investors in North East ( Contd.)
 ……………………
 …………………...
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5. Scheme Implementation hurdles ! Possible
solutions
 Targeting of beneficiaries : Awareness and
Outreach about the schemes are very poor
 Setting up and empowerment of nodal
offices within the region : The need is to prevent
duplication of work and reduction of waiting time.
 Timely release of earmarked funds.
 Smoothening of Project Appraisal by adoption
of standard format ( Transparent Appraisal )
 Monitoring of disbursement of subsidies :
Benefit to deserving enterprises only.
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6. Implementation hurdles ! Possible solutions
(Contd.)
 Planning Coordination : Between state line
departments and central agencies.
 Leadership and Championing : States and
facilitating agencies need to follow up.
 ……………………………………………………….
 ……………………………………………………….
 ……………………………………………………….
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7. Way forward:
A Capacity Development Strategy:
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Changing Approach
Capacity Building to Capacity
Development
The Rationale for the Strategy

8. Example of a Capacity Development
Framework ( Source: FAO ):
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Technical Capacities
Dimensions
Functional Capacities
Individuals
Organizational
Environment
Planning &Team Building
Capacity
Knowledge Integration
Capacity
Negotiation & Partnering
Capacity
Implementation Capacity

9. farmerneindia@gmail.com
Or
barbaruah73@yahoo.co.in
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