TN can become food processing capital of India

Tamil Nadu has the potential to be the food processing capital of India, Dr K Singaravadivel, Director, Indian Institute of Crop Processing Technology (IICPT), Thanjavur, said today.
Tamil Nadu is the largest producer of bananas and tapioca and second largest producer of coconut and eggs and is also the third largest producer of coffee, tea, and sugarcane in the Country, Singaravadivel, said addressing an "Agri and Food Process Conclave", here.
Inaugurating the Conclave K Ramasamy, Vice Chancellor, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University focused on strengthening India's position in the global food processing industry scenario and reducing high percentage of wastage of the agricultural produce.

The food processing sector has undoubtedly the potential to be an industry driver that can transform India's rural economy, but there are a number of constraints both in the forward and backward linkages in the sector, he said.
Ravindra Sannareddy, Chairman, Southern Regional Council, ASSOCHAM, joint organisors of the Conclave, said that the agro-climatic condition in the State made it suitable for growing almost all kinds of agricultural and horticultural crops and setting up of food processing industries.
E. K. Ponnuswamy, President, CODISSIA (Coimbatore District Small Industries Association) highlighted the constraints in the backward and forward linkages in the food processing sector and urged Tamil Nadu government to play an important catalytic role in this effort by building partnerships with various Central agencies, bankers, financial institutions and technical and management institutions.

Surendra Singh, Assistant Industrial Advisor, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, identified potential areas for investment in Tamil Nadu especially in fruit processing, fruit wines, vegetable industry, and medicinal plants.