The Food Processing Ministry is planning to give 8 crore rupees for research and development in the food processing sector in the current financial year. Speaking at a conference on identify Focus Areas in Research and Development in the area of Food processing organised in New Delhi, the Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing, Mr Ashok Sinha said that research and development is the vital area for the success of any industry. He said that the ministry is also taking advice from the ministry of Science and technology for the use of innovative technology in the sector so that wastage of raw materials can be reduced. Speaking on the occasion, the Science and Technology Secretary, Dr T Ramasami emphasized the need for reducing wastage of raw materials used in finished products to make the industry viable. AIR correspondent reports that 600 crore rupees have been allocated to Food Processing Ministry in 2011-12 Budget which is 200 crore rupees more than the previous budget.