A.3. Why are food processing industries significant?
- India is a land famous for food production. More than 50% of the Indian population work in Agriculture-related activities. If there are good food processing industries in India, raw materials like grains or meat can be converted into food for domestic and foreign consumption.
- Food processing units act as a link between agriculture and industries.
- Food processing industries can absorb a major share of workers from the agriculture sector, who face disguised unemployment. It can lead to better productivity and GDP growth.
- Food processing prevents food wastage and helps in attaining food security.
- Processed food requires less space for storage.
- Processed food can be exported. This may help us in getting foreign exchange reserves.
[Image: Key Potential Drivers in the Growth of Indian Food Processing Industry]