Question Q.12GS3GS3

Discuss the potential of food processing sector in addressing the issues of low value addition, high post-harvest losses and disguised unemployment plaguing Indian agriculture. Also, explain why the sector has underperformed despite its significant potential.

Main Body

Recent report by ASSOCHAM state the SUNRISE sector. A food processing employs 3 million people with potential for another 7 million by 2050. Potential of Food Processing in addressing: (1) low value addition - presently only 2-5% of India's output is processed vs 80% in USA - Most of it is in low value added space BY Atta milling vs bread making - Majority is in informal space (77%) - Food Processing can remove this trend through use of tech

Ex: MATPO industries in Maharashtra increased value addition by 200% through processing of strawberries into syrup - jams, chocolate. II High post-harvest losses - Presently upto 6/1 wasted at farm IKA - Food processing improves shelf life - Irradiation of onions increases life by 6 months - processing milk into cheese makes it usable for upto a year. III Check disguised employment - Agriculture sector employs 4%/workforce - Food Processing has apple processing potential to employ red costly low skilled workforce because (See diagram showing various employment pathways and challenges)

Underperformance of Food Processing: I Regulatory vacuum: National Draft food processing policy not finalized yet (2) Regulation site AFME Acts do not allow exporters and processors right to purchase directly (3) Archaic technology: 60 over 74% processing by informal sector - Mega Food Banks collaboration between SMEs and district industrial centers - Handedness of MSMEs by AGBDA and MFEDA - Availability of finance by NFAFD

— BHAVESH JAGLAN · AIR 128

235 words1 paragraphs

Conclusion

Therefore food processing must be utilized as a neutra for equitable growth.

12 words

Diagram

Diagram showing food processing employment pathways with arrows pointing to apple processing, red costly employment opportunities, low skilled workforce

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Topper

BHAVESH JAGLAN

AIR 1282025

Subject & Paper

GS3GS3

Topic

Agriculture and Food Security

Food processing

Food Processing Sector Potential and Challenges

Writing Stats

247

Total words

Paragraphs

analytical

Tone

Linked PYQ

Ramesh is State Civil Services Officer who got the opportunity of getting posted to the capital of a border State after rendering 20 years of service. Ramesh’s mother has recently been detected cancer and has been admitted in the leading cancer hospital of the city. His two adolescent children have also got admission in one of the best public schools of the town. After settling down in his appointment as Director in the Home Department of the State, Ramesh got confidential report through intelligence sources that illegal migrants are infiltrating in the State from the neighbouring country. He decided to personally carry out surprise check of the border posts along with his Home Department team. To his surprise, he caught red-handed two families of 12 members infiltrated with the connivance of the security personnel at the border posts. On further inquiry and investigation, it was found that after the migrants from neighbouring country infiltrate, their documentation like Aadhaar Card, Ration Card and Voter Card are also forged and they are made to settle down in a particular area of the State. Ramesh prepared the detailed and comprehensive report and submitted to the Additional Secretary of the State. However, he has summoned by the Additional Home Secretary after a week and was instructed to withdraw the report. The Additional Home Secretary informed Ramesh that the report submitted by him has not been appreciated by the higher authorities. He further cautioned him that if he fails to withdraw the confidential ort, he will not only be posted out from the prestigious appointment from the State capital but his further promotion which is due in near future will also get in jeopardy. (a) What are the options available to Ramesh as the Director of the Home Department of the bordering State? (b) What option should Ramesh adopt and why? (c) Critically evaluate each of the options. (d) What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ramesh? (e) What policy measures would you suggest to combat the menace of infiltration of illegal migrants from the neighbouring country?

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