Union MoS for Food Processing Industry while on his visit to Arunachal Pradesh has remarked that Central government is aware of the state’s food processing potential and will assist appropriately in its manifestation. If this really happens it will be something very exciting since it has been reiterated for long by experts that food processing could be a real catalyst for the state’s economic growth. It is a known fact that Arunachal’s soil and climate is a fantastic combination for growth of high-demand fruits and vegetables, the essential raw material inputs for food processing industries. It has been hailed as a sunrise sector in the national economic context and here in Arunachal, a little uptick in efforts can really bring unprecedented positive outcomes. 
It is not without reasons why there are so much talks about food processing in the industry circles of every zone of the country. The sector is huge in every sense as it transcends well beyond the first-hand examples of fruit and vegetables and includes a variety of others such as spices, meat and poultry, alcoholic beverages, fisheries, grain processing and high-protein foods to name a few. A 1.2 billion strong consumer base which is even growing more, is a huge plus point for this industry, signifying that there will be little chances of stagnation. Valued more than USD 600 billion, food processing industry is expected to grow three-fold by 2020 and that includes the organic food market, which means a lot to Arunachal. It has been proved over the years that the state is a solid hub for organic produces which have very high consumer demand not only in India but also overseas as well. These statistics, must presumably be enough to argue that Arunachal has a win-win situation in food processing sector and carry every chance to be a front runner.
Given all these, realities plaguing the state will also be too hard to overlook. A more smooth access to modern farming technological support, adequate preservation facilities and market have always been felt, besides the burden of post-harvest losses which keep accumulating over the years. In spite of lucrative and ready markets awaiting to be tapped, income of the state’s farmers have not reached that exemplary levels, just because of lack of existence of proper channels which would give easy access to these markets. Besides giving stress on increasing productivity, a simultaneous support of training facilities for farmers and SHGs could go a long way in increasing their updated knowledge in the fast changing market dynamics.
Arunachal’s food processing industry has got real potential, but isn’t explored even half of it yet. This fact must act as the driving point  for all endeavours to be taken up in this regard.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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