Fruits and Vegetables Processing in India: Science, Technology and Skill Development Policy Issues

By : Mohammad Rais , Jyoti Kushwaha , Aditya Rohan

Page No: 78-92

Abstract
Post-harvest management of fruits and vegetables (F&V) is of great importance in India. India, the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables in world, is having several lacunas in a field otherwise having great potential. This article addresses F&V processing issues in science, technology and skill development, analyses the policy development in the sector and suggests appropriate policy reforms. Opening up of Indian economy post 1991 and its impact on F&V sector, latest policies on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), food marketing and retail, recent food safety and standard legislation, etc., were studied. Both factor productivity and technical efficiency declined in the decade following liberalization but picked up in the last decade. Technical progress is still quite low and does not contribute much to the productivity growth. Inadequate installed power capacity and low per capita income have been found to be few factors responsible for low number of food processing industries in certain states like West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar in spite of substantial production of F&V. Policy recommendations in relation to food safety and hygiene, infrastructure, marketing, technological upgradation, skill development incentives are suggested.

Authors :
Mohammad Rais : Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR, National Institute of Science, Technology & Development Studies (NISTADS), Pusa Gate, K. S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi.
Jyoti Kushwaha : Senior Project Fellow, CSIR, National Institute of Science, Technology & Development Studies (NISTADS), Pusa Gate, K. S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi.
Aditya Rohan : BITS Intern, CSIR, National Institute of Science, Technology & Development Studies (NISTADS), Pusa Gate, K. S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi.