AGRO processing in changed scenario of globalisation - a silent but robust opportunity

Development of an economy is followed by some major structural changes leading to a decrease in the importance of primary sector thereby increasing the importance of non-agricultural sectors. No doubt, Indian agricultural has made great strides in the course of development. From chronic hunger the country has achieved not only self sufficiency in the food grain rather there has been a major transformation of farming from traditional to modern with billion of farmers who has become science and technology conscious. With the growth of the economy a shift is also being seen in the food basket from consumption of cereals to a more varied and nutritious diet of fruit, vegetable milk, fish, meat and poultry product. These changes have brought in their wake the imperatives of an emerging sector-agro processing sector. Yesteryears have evidenced the development of agro based industries in this process of progression in the developed nations. Cheap availability of labour, increasing government consideration and abundant availability of raw material throughout the year, imparts competitive advantage to the Indian agro industry. The Agribusiness sector in India has achieved remarkable successes over the last three and a half decades. Agro processing is now regarded as the most promising and sunrise sector of the Indian economy in view of its large potential for growth and likely socio economic impact specifically on employment and income generation. Recognising the importance of agro-industry in general in the national economy, the present study is undertaken to take stock of this industry.i.e. Agro processing industry; emerging issue challenges and strategies so that structure conduct and performance of this industry can be improved.