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India has emerged as the third largest producer of food items in the world. It grows 150 million tonnes of fruits and vegetables. Its milk production of 91 million tonnes is now the largest in the world. The livestock population of 483 million is also the largest in the world. India has 57% of the world’s buffaloes and 23% of sheep. The number of goats is the 2nd highest. In poultry its rank is the 7th highest in the world. In fisheries also India has the same ranking with 6.2 million tonnes of annual output. Egg production at 43 million per year gives India the 5th world ranking. All these items form the base of the country’s food processing sector. The processed food industry covers products of dairy, meat, poultry, fishery, bakery, non-molasses-based alcoholic drinks, aerated water and soft drink.
The food processing industry involves any type of value addition to agricultural or horticultural produce. It also includes processes such as grading, sorting and packaging which enhance the shelf-life of food products. The industry provides vital linkages and synergies between industry and agriculture. Protecting the farmers against distress sale, the food processing sector has a significant place on the country’s industrial scene. The industry has been growing fast. But its full potential is yet to be tapped.
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