Growth potential for the Fruit and Vegetable Processing Market in India

Despite an abundance of fruit and vegetable supply, India is still at a nascent stage when it comes to the food processing industry. Fruits and vegetables that are canned, frozen, dried and dehydrated are said to be processed. The fruit and vegetable processing sector is critical for the development of rural India as it provides a link between the two pillars of agriculture and industry. Liberalization of the India economy, expansion of world trade and the spread of the ready-to-eat food culture have opened up massive growth opportunities for the Fruit and Vegetable Processing Market in India.

Significant factors that will aid the sector to reach its full potential are as follows:

1. Exports: Diversity in horticulture and seasons provides tremendous potential for export of processed fruit and vegetables. The abundant variety of fruit and vegetables available to be processed along with a stable production of good quality produce links the Fruit and Vegetable Processing Market in India with exports.
2. Rise in the number of working women: Many women work outside the home to supplement family income and improve their standard of living. Subsequently, food preferences and requirements have shifted in favor of processed fruit and vegetables. The availability of ready-to-eat canned or frozen food at affordable prices, saves women time and energy after they get back from work.
3. Rural engagement: A large number of fruit and vegetable processing units are based in the cottage / home-scale and small-scale sector which are mostly situated in the rural regions of the country. Rural people have gained employment in the growing, harvesting, transportation, and packaging segments of these units.

The support of the Ministry of Food Processing Industry of India in providing financial aid for setting up new, upgraded units with modernized equipment all over the country has encouraged the Fruit and Vegetable Processing Market in India. This sector has brought immense benefits to the economy by enhancing productivity and generating employment opportunities.