Food Processing and Post-Harvest Management in India: Current Status, Challenges, and Government Initiatives
Food processing plays a crucial role in the agricultural economy of India. Transforming raw agricultural products into consumable goods, and food processing not only enhances the shelf life and quality of food but also adds significant value to basic resources. Despite being the second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables globally, India's food processing industry remains underdeveloped, with only a small fraction of the produce being processed. This blog explores the current state of food processing in India, the challenges faced, and the government initiatives aimed at boosting this sector.
Table of Contents
What is Food Processing?
Food processing refers to the conversion of basic agricultural components into consumable food or the transformation of food into other forms. This process includes a range of physical and chemical techniques such as mincing, heating, canning, pickling, macerating, and emulsification. Food processing enhances the storability, portability, palatability, and convenience of food products. However, it can also lead to a reduction in nutritional value and the introduction of harmful additives.
Food processing is categorized into two types:
- Primary Processing: Involves basic processes like milling of rice, sugar, edible oil, and flour.
- Secondary Processing: Includes the processing of fruits, vegetables, dairy, bakery products, chocolates, and other food items.
Current Status of Food Processing in India
India is a global agricultural powerhouse, yet its food processing sector lags behind in terms of adding value to produce. Here are some key statistics that highlight the current state of food processing in India:
- Fruits and Vegetables: Despite being the second-largest producer, only about 2% of fruits and vegetables are processed.
- Marine Products: Approximately 8% of marine products are processed.
- Milk: Around 35% of milk produced is processed.
- Poultry: Only 6% of poultry products are processed.
- Meat: Despite having the largest livestock population globally, only 1% of total meat output is processed into value-added products.
The Indian food processing industry is predominantly unorganized, with over 75% of the sector operating in this manner. This lack of organization, coupled with low processing levels, highlights the need for significant improvements.
The Indian Food Processing Industry in Brief
India’s food processing sector includes 42 Mega Food Parks, with 22 currently operational. These parks offer facilities like cold storage, which collectively have a capacity of 32 million tons. Notable developments include:
- Bhimavaram Mandal, Andhra Pradesh: Home to India’s first Aqua Mega Food Park, established on 14th February 2019.
- Zoram, Mizoram: Location of the first modern mega food park in the Northeastern states, inaugurated on 22nd July 2020.
- Fanidhar, Gujarat: Site of the first-ever mega food park processing pilot project launched by Italy on 19th April 2021.
In terms of contribution, the food processing industry accounts for 9% of the agricultural sector and 11% of the manufacturing sector. However, the industry faces significant challenges, including high post-harvest losses:
- Grains and Pulses: 4-6% loss
- Vegetables: 7-12% loss
- Fruits: 6-18% loss
Government Schemes for the Food Processing Industry
To address these challenges and promote the growth of the food processing industry, the Indian government has launched several initiatives:
- National Mission on Food Processing (NMFP)
- Launched: April 1, 2012
- Objective: Decentralize the implementation of food processing schemes with significant state government participation.
- Gram Samridhi Yojana
- Launched: March 1, 2019
- Objective: Assist the unorganized food processing industry in rural areas with a funding of Rs. 3,000 crore.
- Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana
- Launched: May 2017
- Objective: Holistic development of the food processing sector, including the creation of Mega Food Parks and cold chain facilities.
- Trifood Project
- Launched: August 20, 2020
- Objective: Increase tribal income by adding value to minor forest produce (MFP) collected by tribal forest gatherers.
- Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI)
- Launched: May 2021
- Objective: Develop global food manufacturing champions and promote Indian food brands in overseas markets with a funding of Rs. 10,900 crore.
- MITRA - Mega Investment Textiles Parks
- Launched: February 2021
- Objective: Make the textile business more globally competitive and attract major investments, with a target of establishing 7 textile parks over 3 years.
- Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PM FME)
- Launched: June 2020
- Objective: Assist 2 lakh micro food enterprises (MFEs) in meeting food safety standards and building brands, with a funding of Rs. 10,000 crore.
Conclusion
India’s food processing industry holds immense potential, given the country’s vast agricultural resources. However, to fully realize this potential, significant investments in infrastructure, technology, and organization are needed. The government’s initiatives are a step in the right direction, but the success of these programs will depend on effective implementation and active participation from all stakeholders. By addressing the challenges and leveraging opportunities, India can transform its food processing industry into a global leader, ensuring better returns for farmers and a more secure food supply for the nation.
- Agriculture Current Affairs Notes
- Fisheries Notes for IBPS AFO & NABARD
- Sericulture Notes for IBPS AFO
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