Dr Vijay Singh Thakur, Vice Chancellor, Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry says
The livelihood of about 70% of Indian population is primarily based on agriculture, thus there exists a tremendous scope in food processing and preservation sector for utilization of huge agriculture produce.
• Though India has achieved self sufficiency in food grains and has good yields of other crops like fruits, vegetable, milk and animal products yet there is large gap in demand and supply due to huge wastage in the food chain, which can be curtailed by improving infrastructure and expertise in post harvest management and processing.
• With the continuous support of state and central government for encouraging hi-tech agriculture and horticulture, polyhouse technology, use of advanced technologies, the increase in production also call for creation of matching infrastructure and expertise in the post harvest management and food processing sector.
• India with about 1.21 billion populations has a large market potential for food products, thus there is a huge demand within the country for processed products.
• The food processing sector being highly labour intensive is capable of solving the problem of unemployment in the country. At the same time in comparison to other developed countries, working force in our country is cheap and easily available, which point towards better growth in this sector.
• According to one estimate there are more than 13 million food business operators (FBOs’) in the country comprising of about 50.000 large scale manufacturers, about 3 million medium scale and about 5 million each of petty food manufacturers and food service providers respectively for which there is huge demand for food professionals.
• With the enactment of Food Safety and Standards Act, the demand for food professionals has increased manifolds at various levels of food chain which include designated officers, food safety officers, food auditors, food quality analysts, manufacturers, production managers, chemists, shift in charge, wholesalers, retailers etc.
• The act also requires a large number of food auditors to validate the adherence to the principles of food Safety Management System (FSMS) by millions of food business operators operating at various levels.
• Under the act, the existing food testing laboratories in the country are required to be upgraded to NABL standards and a large number of new laboratories coming up in the public and private sectors will also need food quality analysts.
• Further, even an illiterate tea shop owner or dhabawala falling under the category of petty food manufacturer is required to maintain proper hygiene and sanitation in food business for which there is a need for conducting short term trainings for these entrepreneurs to ensure food safety.
• In order to develop human resource, institute/ universities already engaged in teaching/ research activities in food science and technology can further be equipped to shoulder the responsibility of developing trained food professionals capable of managing all affairs of food handling, manufacturing, distribution, quality assurance, training and food safety in the country.
• Agriculture is the main occupation and the major source of employment in Himachal Pradesh. Food processing industry is primarily focused in the areas of traditional processing of agricultural and horticulture raw material. Agri-procurement has lately been an investment area for corporate entities.
• The state has a prominent horticulture industry. The area under fruit cultivation increased from 792 hectares in 1950-51 to about 2,11,295 hectare in 2010-11. The fruit production has been recorded as 6.95 lakh tones while vegetable production accounted for 10.02 lakh tones during 2011-12. Apple production stood at 2,75,030 tonnes in 2011-12 and accounted for approximately 83.0 per cent of the state’s total fruit production. Other major fruits grown in the state include peach, apricot, cherry, mango and litchi. Vegetables production in the state was estimated at 1.3 million tonnes in 2011-12.
Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry
Nauni, Solan (HP)-173230
Fax: 01792-252242, Phone No. 01799-252363
Web: Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticultuer & Forestry, Solan (HP)
Email :
thakurvs@satyam.net.in