Food Processing and Related Industries in India

Food Processing and Related Industries in India

I. INTRODUCTION AND DEFINITION

The food processing industry encompasses the transformation of raw agricultural products into value-added food items through various techniques such as preservation, packaging, and preparation. This sector serves as a critical linkage between the agricultural sector and the consumer market, playing a fundamental role in reducing post-harvest losses, extending the shelf life of perishable goods, and enhancing the overall economic value of agricultural produce.​

II. SCOPE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES

A. Economic Significance

Present Status:

• India’s food processing industry is valued at USD 336.4 billion, making it the sixth largest globally​

• The sector contributes approximately 12% to India’s manufacturing GDP​

• It accounts for 8.8% of GVA in manufacturing and 8.39% in agriculture​

• Contributes 13% of India’s total exports and 6% of total industrial investment​

• Projected to reach USD 1,274 billion by 2027 (from USD 866 billion in 2022)​

• The average annual growth rate (AAGR) is approximately 7.26%​

Employment Generation:

• Employs over 1.9 million workers in 37,468 registered units​

• Has the potential to generate 9 million direct and indirect jobs by 2030​

• Food processing industry provides direct employment to more than 20 lakh people​

B. Scope of Food Processing Industry

1. Raw Material Base:

• India is the world’s 2nd largest producer of fruits and vegetables (after China)​

• 1st in milk production globally​

• Largest producer of spices​

• 1st in pulses production​

• 50% of world’s buffalo population and 20% of cattle​

• Diverse crop variety provides steady supply of raw materials​

2. Demand Potential:

• Rising urbanization and changing dietary preferences driving consumption​

• Growing middle class with increasing purchasing power​

• Youth population and nuclear families creating demand for packaged foods​

• Expected packaged food sector to reach USD 30 billion by 2015 (now growing rapidly)​

• Growing consumption expected to reach USD 1.2 trillion by 2025-26​

3. Export Opportunities:

• India ranks 14th in global food exports with only 2% share (though significant potential exists)​

• Processed food exports reached USD 16.2 billion (2024-25) with 11.74% CAGR​

• Major exporting countries (USA, Netherlands, Germany) account for 43% of processed food exports​

• India’s agricultural exports reached USD 48.2 billion in FY24​

4. Post-Harvest Loss Reduction:

• India loses approximately 15-20% of total agricultural produce post-harvest​

• Approximately 74 million tonnes of food is lost annually (22% of foodgrain output or 10% of total production)​

• Perishable commodities face the highest losses: livestock produce (22%), fruits (19%), vegetables (18%)​

• Annual post-harvest losses cost farmers Rs 92,651 crore​

5. Value Addition and Nutritional Enhancement:

• Food processing allows for fortification and enrichment of foods​

• Diversification of food products by combining and modifying ingredients​

• Reduction of food waste through utilization of surplus or imperfect produce​

• Meeting consumer demands for innovative and convenient food products​

III. CURRENT FOOD PROCESSING STATUS IN INDIA

Despite India’s large production base, the processing levels remain significantly low:

Key Challenge: More than 75% of the food processing industry remains in the unorganized sector​

IV. MAJOR SEGMENTS OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRY

A. Cereal and Pulse Milling (Primary Processing)

• Accounts for approximately 40% of total processing activity​

• Includes rice, sugar, edible oil, and flour mills​

• Grain processing with high technical efficiency​

B. Dairy Sector (Largest Segment)

• India is the world’s largest milk producer​

• 37% of dairy yield is processed (largest proportion among all segments)​

• Organized sector processes approximately 15% of total milk production​

• Major products: milk powders, yogurt, cheese, butter, ghee​

C. Fruits and Vegetables Processing

• India is 2nd largest producer of vegetables and 3rd largest of fruits globally​

• Accounts for 8.4% of world’s food and vegetable yield​

• Processing techniques: canning, dehydration, pickling, bottling, freezing​

• Major products: juices, jams, pickles, dried fruits, frozen vegetables​

D. Meat and Poultry Processing

• India has largest livestock population globally (50% of world’s buffaloes)​

• Processing level extremely low: only 1% of total meat production converted to value-added products​

• Significant untapped potential in this segment​

• Major products: meat products, poultry items, processed meat​

E. Fish and Marine Products

• Current processing: 8% of production​

• Focus on exports to global markets​

• Traditional products: salted fish, dried fish, fishmeal​

F. Other Segments

• Beverages (coffee, tea, cocoa, soft drinks)​

• Bakery products (bread, biscuits)​

• Confectioneries and chocolates​

• Edible oils and fats​

• Breakfast cereals and fortified foods​

• Plant-based meat alternatives (emerging market)​

V. LOCATIONAL FACTORS AND REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION

A. Factors Determining Location

1. Proximity to Raw Materials:

• Industries processing bulk, low-value commodities (cereals, oilseeds) locate near production areas​

• Weight loss in processing (e.g., cotton ginning) makes raw material area location economical​

2. Proximity to Markets:

• Perishable products (bakery items, dairy products) require location close to consumer markets​

• Small processing units more market-sensitive than large ones​

• Large market centers offer better labour supply and lower distribution costs​

3. Climate and Environmental Factors:

• North-Western India advantages:

  • Cooler climates suitable for preserving food products​

  • Lower humidity compared to peninsular and eastern India​

  • Better conditions for storage infrastructure​

• Environmental regulations and waste handling capacity​

4. Economic Factors:

• Availability of cheap labor: Reduces operating costs significantly​

• Agricultural economy: Abundant raw materials at lower costs​

• Cost of production: 40% lower production costs in India compared to global averages​

5. Infrastructure and Connectivity:

• Road and rail connectivity for transportation​

• Proximity to ports for export-oriented industries​

• Water availability and management​

B. Regional Distribution of Food Processing Industries

Southern Region – Leading Hub:

• Houses the highest number of registered food processing factories​

• Andhra Pradesh: Approximately 14.3% of registered factories​

• Tamil Nadu: Significant concentration of food processing units​

• Telangana: Emerging as major processing hub​

• South region accounts for largest output share in food processing​

North-Western Region – Primary Hub:

• Punjab and Haryana: Historic centers for grain processing and dairy​

• Rajasthan: Growing agro-processing cluster​

• Uttar Pradesh: Major contributor to food processing capacity​

State-wise Output Share (2023):

• Madhya Pradesh: 22% (Pulses)​

• Maharashtra: 16.9% (Pulses)​

• Rajasthan: 13% (Pulses)​

• Uttar Pradesh: 12.3% (Pulses)​

• Gujarat: 7.7% (Pulses)​

VI. UPSTREAM REQUIREMENTS (Pre-Processing Stage)

A. Raw Material Accessibility

Primary Requirement:

• Easy availability of raw materials at lower costs​

• Established linkages with agricultural sectors​

• Access to diverse crop varieties for different processing needs​

B. Modern Extraction and Processing Techniques

• Adoption of advanced processing technologies​

• Implementation of modern machinery and equipment​

• Research and development for improved processing methods​

C. Farmer Linkages

Importance:

• Direct connection between farmers and processing units​

• Ensures sustainability and continuous raw material supply​

• Improves farmer income and incentivizes cultivation​

Government Initiatives:

• E-NAM (Electronic National Agriculture Market): Connects farmers directly with buyers​

• Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs): Reduce dependency on middlemen​

• MSP (Minimum Support Price): Government support to farmers​

D. Raw Material Storage Facilities

Critical Infrastructure:

• Storage facilities for grains, meat, fish, and other commodities​

• Cold storage capacity for perishable items​

• Silos and warehousing infrastructure​

Current Challenge:

• Additional cold storage capacity needed: 3.5 million MT deficit exists​

• Under PMKSY’s Integrated Cold Chain Scheme: 268 out of 376 approved projects operationalized​

• Cold storage capacity created: 8.38 lakh MT (as of December 2022)​

E. Quality Testing Facilities

• Modern laboratories for food quality analysis​

• Standardization testing infrastructure​

• Certification capabilities for export standards​

F. Transportation Infrastructure

• Refrigerated vehicles for perishable transport​

• Road and rail networks connecting production to processing centers​

• Specialized refrigerated wagons for temperature-controlled transport​

• Adequate logistics and distribution networks​

G. Workforce Development

• Skilled and semi-skilled labor availability​

• Training and capacity building programs​

• Employment opportunities in rural areas​

VII. DOWNSTREAM REQUIREMENTS (Post-Processing Stage)

A. Processing and Manufacturing

Key Functions:

• Conversion of raw agricultural produce into processed food products​

• Maintenance of hygiene and quality standards during processing​

• Implementation of automation and advanced processing techniques​

B. Storage and Warehousing

Infrastructure Components:

• Modern cold storage and warehouse facilities to prevent spoilage​

• Inventory management systems to track stock levels​

• Reduction of wastage through proper storage management​

• Multiple-temperature controlled storage for diverse products​

C. Packaging and Processing Equipment

• High-quality packaging materials to maintain product integrity​

• Integrated Quick Freezing (IQF) and blast freezing technologies​

• Packing facilities for product preparation​

• Food preservation and modification technologies​

D. Distribution and Retail Network

Supply Chain Coverage:

• Efficient distribution to wholesalers and retailers​

• Supermarket and e-commerce platform access​

• Last-mile delivery to enhance consumer satisfaction​

Growth Areas:

• Online delivery platforms: BigBasket, Swiggy, Zomato​

• Organized retail expansion: Growing penetration in tier-2 and tier-3 cities​

• Direct-to-consumer models reducing middlemen​

E. Quality Control and Regulatory Compliance

Standards and Certifications:

• Adherence to FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) guidelines​

• Quality checks and certifications for international standards​

• Regular audits and inspections​

FSSAI Inspection Framework (2025):

• Grading system: A+ (Exemplar, 90+ marks), A (Satisfactory, 80-89 marks), B (Needs Improvement, 50-79 marks)​

• Assessment of hygiene, sanitation, staff hygiene, temperature control​

• Critical requirements marked with asterisks for non-negotiable compliance​

FSSAI

VIII. SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT IN FOOD PROCESSING

A. Components of Food Supply Chain

1. Primary Stage – Farmer to Middleman:

• Farmers produce agricultural commodities​

• Traditional middlemen connect farmers to processors​

• MSP policies influence farmer decisions​

2. Processing Stage:

• Raw material procurement and quality checking​

• Processing using appropriate techniques​

• Quality assurance and packaging​

3. Storage and Distribution:

• Warehousing and inventory management​

• Temperature-controlled transportation​

• Distribution to retailers and wholesalers​

4. Retail to Consumer:

• Final product reaching consumer through organized retail and e-commerce​

• Direct-to-consumer models gaining momentum​

B. Key Challenges in SCM

Infrastructure Deficits:

• Fragmented agricultural supply chain: Small-scale farmers lack direct market linkages​

• Poor cold storage infrastructure: Limited facilities result in spoilage of perishables​

• Inadequate transportation: Lack of refrigerated trucks and poor road connectivity​

Operational Challenges:

• Regulatory bottlenecks: Complex compliance processes hinder smooth operations​

• High logistics costs: Rising fuel prices and inefficient networks increase distribution costs​

• Limited technology adoption: Many SMEs do not use advanced SCM technologies​

• Inadequate pest control: Infestation and pathogens cause storage losses​

C. Post-Harvest Losses – A Critical SCM Issue

Scale of Problem:

• India loses Rs 1.53 trillion (USD 18.5 billion) annually from post-harvest losses​

• 10-15% of overall food production lost to poor handling​

• Cereals loss: 4.44% (compared to China’s 2.22%)​

• Transit losses: 0.22% during distribution (2021-22)​

Determinants of Loss:

• Lack of proper storage facilities and cooling systems​

• Inappropriate packaging leading to physical damage and pest exposure​

• Limited market access resulting in delayed sales​

• Poor handling practices throughout supply chain​

• Inadequate knowledge and management capacity​

D. Technology Integration in SCM

Emerging Solutions:

• Blockchain: Enhanced traceability and transparency in supply chains​

• IoT (Internet of Things): Real-time monitoring of product conditions​

• AI and Analytics: Optimizing logistics routes and reducing costs​

• Automated warehousing: Improving inventory management and reducing errors​

• Digital supply chains: Farm-to-fork integration and reduced middlemen​

E. Government Initiatives for SCM Improvement

1. Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY):

• Outlay: Rs 10,900 crore (2021-27)​

• Components:

  • Mega Food Parks​

  • Integrated cold chain and value addition infrastructure​

  • Creation/expansion of food processing capacities​

  • Infrastructure for agro-processing clusters​

  • Food safety and quality assurance​

  • Operation Greens scheme​

• Impact: Approved 41 Mega Food Parks, 353 cold chain projects, 63 agro-processing clusters​

2. Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure:

• Grant-in-Aid: 35% for storage infrastructure (50% for NE/Himalayan states)​

• Components: Pre-cooling, sorting, grading, multi-temperature cold storage, IQF, blast freezing​

• Eligible Products: Horticulture, non-horticulture, fish/marine, dairy, meat, poultry​

3. Operation Greens:

• Focuses on Tomato, Onion, Potato (TOP) value chains​

• Provides subsidy on transportation and storage​

• As of 2022: 52 projects approved for value chain development​

4. PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME):

• Supported close to 2 lakh micro enterprises over five years​

• Credit-linked subsidies and infrastructure creation​

• Transforms small enterprises into medium-sized operations​

5. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Food Processing:

• Budget: Rs 10,900 crore (2021-22 to 2026-27)​

• Target Products: RTC/RTE foods, millet-based products, processed fruits & vegetables, marine products​

• Investment Catalyzed: Rs 7,000 crore​

• Employment Generated: 2.5 lakh+ jobs (with 41 lakh tonnes capacity created)​

• Benefited Farmers: 9 lakh farmers​

• Project Support: 1,600+ projects funded across 213 locations​

6. PLI Scheme for Millet-Based Products:

• Outlay: Rs 800 crore (launched 2022-23)​

• Promotes sustainable and nutritious food alternatives​

• Utilizes FY 2022-23 savings from PLISFPI​

IX. MEGA FOOD PARKS SCHEME

A. Objectives

• Establish direct linkage from farm to processing to consumer markets​

• Increase processing of perishables from 6% to 20%​

• Increase India’s share in global food trade by 3% (by 2015)​

• Create modern infrastructure for food processing along the value chain​

B. Scheme Highlights

• Government Grant: Up to Rs 50 crores per food park to a consortium​

• Processing Units Expected: 30-35 units per park​

• Collective Investment: Minimum Rs 250 crores from consortium companies​

• Expected Turnover: Rs 400-500 crores per park​

• Employment Generation: 30,000 jobs per operational park; 5,000 directly​

• Farmer Connections: Each MFP expected to connect with 25,000 farmers​

• Quality Labs: Established at each food park​

C. Operational Status

Total Approved: 42 Mega Food Parks sanctioned across India​

Operational Parks (as of 2024):

• Multiple parks now functional providing integrated processing infrastructure​

• Examples: Srini Mega Food Park (Chittoor, AP), Godavari Aqua Park (West Godavari, AP), North East Mega Food Park (Assam)​

Major Operational Parks by State:

X. CHALLENGES IN FOOD PROCESSING SECTOR

A. Low Processing Levels

• Only 2% of fruits and vegetables processed (vs. requirement of 20%)​

• Only 8% of marine products processed​

• Only 6% of poultry products processed​

• Only 1% of total meat converted to value-added products​

• Vast untapped potential in food processing​

B. Post-Harvest Losses

• Annual loss of Rs 92,651 crore due to inadequate infrastructure​

• Required investment for improvement: Rs 89,375 crore​

• Primary causes: poor storage and transportation facilities​

C. Unorganized Sector Dominance

• More than 75% of industry remains unorganized​

• Limited access to finance and technology​

• Lack of standardization and quality compliance​

D. Infrastructure Gaps

• Cold chain deficit: 3.5 million MT additional capacity needed​

• Inadequate cold storage facilities causing spoilage​

• Limited refrigerated transport infrastructure​

• Poor connectivity in rural production areas​

E. Quality and Regulatory Compliance

• Stringent FSSAI standards require significant investment​

• Complex compliance procedures for small and medium enterprises​

• Frequent regulatory updates requiring continuous adaptation​

• International certification requirements for exports​

F. Export Market Challenges

• India holds only 2% of global food export market​

• Top 5 exporting nations control 34% of global share​

• Most exports directed to Indian diaspora (limited market diversification)​

• Need for building global brand recognition​

G. Technology and Innovation Gaps

• Limited adoption of advanced processing technologies in SMEs​

• Low investment in R&D relative to global competitors​

• Digital transformation still in nascent stages​

• Inadequate focus on value-added products​

XI. GOVERNMENT POLICY FRAMEWORK

A. Regulatory Framework

Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006:

• Enforced by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)​

• Covers food product specifications, packaging, labeling, hygiene standards​

• Stringent contaminant and pesticide residue limits​

Certification and Standards:

• AGMARK (Agricultural Mark) for agricultural products​

• ISO standards for quality management​

• Import certifications with rigorous testing protocols​

B. Major Government Initiatives

1. Pradhan Mintri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY):

• Umbrella scheme for comprehensive food processing support

• Budget: Rs 10,900 crore (2021-27)​

2. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme:

• Budget: Rs 10,900 crore

• Supports manufacturing and innovation in food processing​

3. PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing (PMFME):

• Promotion of unorganized sector formalization

• Credit-linked subsidies and infrastructure support​

4. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMSSY):

• Investment: Rs 20,050 crore

• Focus on fisheries cold chain and post-harvest infrastructure​

• Target: Enhance fish production to 22 million MT​

XII. EXPORT POTENTIAL AND OPPORTUNITIES

A. Current Export Status

• Processed food exports: USD 16.2 billion (2024-25)​

• Growth rate: 11.74% CAGR​

• Agricultural exports: USD 48.2 billion (FY24)​

• Global market share: 2% only (significant growth potential)​

B. Export Opportunities

1. Value Addition Potential:

• Moving from primary commodities to value-added products​

• Scaling healthy Indian food products (millets, makhana)​

• GI-tagged products gaining global recognition​

• Herbal and natural product exports​

2. Product Categories:

• Spices and condiments​

• Dairy products​

• Processed fruits and vegetables​

• Marine and seafood products​

• Millet-based products​

• Chocolate and confectionery​

3. Global Market Access:

• USA, Netherlands, Germany as major markets​

• Top 10 global markets account for 53% of imports​

• Emerging demand for clean-label, protein-rich, gut-friendly foods​

C. Competitive Advantages

• Cost advantage: 40% lower production costs​

• Large labor force: Abundant low-cost skilled workforce​

• Strategic location: Proximity to Asian markets and export-importing regions​

• Diverse production base: Global competitiveness across multiple segments​

XIII. EMPLOYMENT AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

A. Employment Generation

• Direct employment: 1.9 million workers in registered units​

• Potential employment: 9 million by 2030​

• PLI Scheme: 2.5 lakh+ jobs created​

• PMKSY: 13.09 lakh people employed​

• PMFME: Significant rural employment generation​

B. Rural Development Impact

Income Enhancement:

• Direct farmer income improvement through value addition​

• Reduced post-harvest losses increasing farmer returns​

• Better price realization through farmer linkages​

Infrastructure Development:

• Establishment of processing units in agricultural areas​

• Creation of rural infrastructure through mega food parks​

• Cold chain development in remote regions​

Livelihood Opportunities:

• Employment in processing, packaging, distribution​

• Skill development and training opportunities​

• Entrepreneurship through PMFME and related schemes​

XIV. KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (UPSC Mains Context)

XV. FUTURE PROSPECTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

A. Growth Drivers

• Rising middle-class consumption​

• Urbanization and changing food preferences​

• Digital platform growth (e-commerce, online delivery)​

• Government policy support through multiple schemes​

• Export demand for value-added products​

B. Strategic Recommendations for Growth

1. Infrastructure Development:

• Expand cold chain capacity by 3.5 million MT​

• Improve transportation and logistics networks​

• Establish agro-processing clusters in production zones​

2. Technology Integration:

• Promote blockchain, IoT, and AI adoption​

• Support automation in SMEs​

• Digital supply chain implementation​

3. Export Promotion:

• Building global brand recognition​

• Focus on clean-label and health-conscious products​

• Diversify export markets beyond diaspora markets​

4. Skill Development:

• Training programs for workforce upskilling​

• Formalizing unorganized sector​

5. Regulatory Harmonization:

• Streamline FSSAI compliance procedures​

• Align with international food safety standards​

XVI. QUICK REVISION POINTS FOR UPSC

Definition: Conversion of raw agricultural products into value-added food items through preservation, packaging, and processing techniques.

Scale: 6th largest globally; 12% of India’s manufacturing GDP; USD 336.4 billion valued.

Significance: Reduces post-harvest losses (15-20%), provides rural employment (1.9 million), generates exports (USD 16.2 billion), ensures food security.

Location Factors: Proximity to raw materials (North-West), markets (urban centers), climate (cool regions), and infrastructure.

Upstream: Raw material accessibility, farmer linkages, cold storage, testing facilities, transport, workforce.

Downstream: Processing, packaging, warehousing, distribution, quality control, retail networks.

Supply Chain: Farm to consumer journey involving sourcing, processing, storage, distribution stages; challenged by fragmented agriculture, poor cold chain, high costs.

Challenges: Low processing levels (2% F&V), 75% unorganized sector, post-harvest losses (Rs 92,651 crore annually), cold chain deficit, regulatory compliance costs.

Government Schemes: PMKSY (Rs 10,900 crore), PLI (generating 2.5 lakh jobs), PMFME (2 lakh enterprises supported), PMSSY (fisheries focus).

Mega Food Parks: 42 sanctioned; provide integrated infrastructure, connect 25,000 farmers per park, generate 30,000 jobs per park.

Export Potential: 2% global share (USD 16.2 billion); opportunity to move to value-added products and diverse markets; 40% cost advantage.

Employment: 1.9 million current; 9 million potential by 2030; significant rural development impact.

UPSC MAINS QUESTIONS

2025 – UPSC Mains

Q1. Elaborate the scope and significance of supply chain management of agricultural commodities in India. (10 Marks, 150 Words)

Q2. Examine the scope of the food processing industries in India. Elaborate the measures taken by the government in the food processing industries for generating employment opportunities. (15 Marks, 250 Words)

2024 – UPSC Mains

Q. What are the major challenges faced by Indian irrigation system in recent times? State the measures taken by the government for efficient irrigation management. (Related to agricultural infrastructure)

2023 – UPSC Mains

Q1. How does e-Technology help farmers in production and marketing of agricultural produce? Explain it. (10 Marks)

Q2. Explain the changes in cropping pattern in India in the context of changes in consumption pattern and marketing conditions. (10 Marks)

Q3. Discuss the significance of essential upstream and downstream requirements in ensuring a robust and sustainable food processing industry. (10 Marks, 150 Words)

2022 – UPSC Mains

Q1. Elaborate the scope and significance of the food processing industry in India. (10 Marks, 150 Words)

Q2. What are the main bottlenecks in the upstream and downstream process of marketing of agricultural products in India? (15 Marks, 250 Words)

2020 – UPSC Mains

Q. What are the challenges and opportunities of the food processing sector in the country? How can income of the farmers be substantially increased by encouraging food processing? (10 Marks, 150 Words)

2019 – UPSC Mains

Q1. How far is Integrated Farming System (IFS) helpful in sustaining agricultural production? (10 Marks)

Q2. What are the reformative steps taken by the Government to make the food grain distribution system more effective? (15 Marks)

Q3. Elaborate the policy taken by the Government of India to meet the challenges of the food processing sector. (15 Marks, 250 Words)

2018 – UPSC Mains

Q1. What do you mean by Minimum Support Price (MSP)? How will MSP rescue the farmers from the low-income trap? (10 Marks)

Q2. Examine the role of supermarkets in supply chain management of fruits, vegetables, and food items. How do they eliminate the number of intermediaries? (10 Marks, 150 Words)

Q3. Assess the role of the National Horticulture Mission (NHM) in boosting the production, productivity, and income of horticulture farms. How far has it succeeded in increasing the income of farmers? (15 Marks, 250 Words)

2017 – UPSC Mains

Q1. Explain various types of revolutions that took place in agriculture after Independence in India. How have these revolutions helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India? (10 Marks)

Q2. What are the reasons for poor acceptance of cost-effective small processing units? How can the food processing unit be helpful to uplift the socio-economic status of poor farmers? (10 Marks, 150 Words)

Q3. How do subsidies affect the cropping pattern, crop diversity, and economy of farmers? What is the significance of crop insurance, minimum support price, and food processing for small and marginal farmers? (15 Marks, 250 Words)

2016 – UPSC Mains

Q. What are the impediments in marketing and supply chain management in developing the food processing industry in India? Can e-commerce help in overcoming these bottlenecks? (12.5 Marks, 250 Words)

2015 – UPSC Mains

Q. What are the impediments in marketing and supply chain management in developing the food processing industry in India? Can e-commerce help in overcoming this bottleneck? (12.5 Marks, 250 Words)

2013 – UPSC Mains

Q. India needs to strengthen measures to promote the pink revolution in food industry for ensuring better nutrition and health. Critically elucidate the statement. (15 Marks, 250 Words)

AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING