Food processing in India

1. Food processing constitutes about 10 percent of India’s total manufacturing sector GDP
2. The sector is estimated to grow to USD 482 billion in 2020 from USD 258 billion in 2015
3. India permits 100 percent FDI in the food processing sector through the automatic route

Assam key facts

1. 6 stable agro-climatic zones and abundant perennial water
2. Assam has a net cultivable area of 28.11 lakh hectares, out of which 88 percent of the total land is available for cultivation
3. A global tea hub contributing to more than 50% of the country’s total tea production
4. 300 ha. of land under organic cultivation and 8100 ha. of land are being converted
5. More than 100 species of Bamboo are naturally available in this region
6. 216 fish species, out of which 150 species have ornamental importance and 50 species have overseas ornamental value
7. Major fruits and spices produced in the state include Pineapple, Jackfruit, Oranges and varieties of Lemon & Lime, Ginger and Turmeric

Key Infrastructure

1. 12 Soil Testing Laboratories including one under private sector
2. Mega Cold Storage at Sonapur and Changsar
3. Tissue Culture Laboratory in Silchar
4. 26 Cold Storage Units
5. 18 packaging rooms, 42 drying platforms and 15 processing units
6. 126 godowns with a combined storage capacity of 5,59,455 MT

Shift towards Organic Cultivation:

Substantial land has already been brought under organic cultivation and 20015 acres of land is being converted to organic production under Parampragat Krishi Vikash Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain development in North Eastern Region (MOVCD NER) involving 11923 farmers in different districts.