In the present emerging economic scenario, Agriculture still plays a pivotal role. This is reflected in India being world’s largest producer of milk, third largest producer of agricultural produce, second largest producer of vegetables, third largest producer of fruits and having the largest cattle population of the world. Yet, the rampant post-harvest wastages coupled with lack of awareness among producers and consumers about value-added food products necessitated a special thrust on the food processing sector. Indian food processing industry is denoted as a sunrise industry. Though the industry is still in the nascent stage, it is highly fragmented. The unorganized sector contributes 42% while small-scale sector contributes 33% and organized sector 25%. It acts as a vital link between two major sectors of the Indian economy – agriculture and industry. Indian food processing industry constitutes 14% of manufacturing GDP and produces products worth Rs.2,80,000 crores. In terms of employment creation, it generates direct employment for more than one crore and thirty lakh people and has the potential to create indirect employment for more than 3 crore people. The industry is growing at more than 7% per annum and the growth rate is expected to touch 10% within a short period. Gaps in the form of technology, information and resources act as major constraints. Government initiatives in the form of tax concessions, creating the necessary infrastructure and the booming retail sector and changing lifestyles, socio-economic status of the people and emerging opportunities in the exports markets act as new opportunities for the Indian food processing industry. This book focuses on different sectors of Indian food processing industry and illustrates the experiences of a few leading companies. With various facets of Indian food processing aptly being captured, the book will be useful for industry experts, professionals, management students and research community.
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