In a move to promote the food processing industry in the state, the Rajasthan government is planning to adopt an agro-based industrial policy. Through the implementation of the proposed policy, the state government is looking at increasing employment opportunities in rural areas.
Furthermore, the government is promoting nurseries in the rural regions to boost the agriculture sector in the state. It has already urged private players to establish orchids and nurseries in the rural areas.
According to industry experts, the state government’s move to adopt an agro-based industrial policy will benefit the food processing segment in the state. “Rajasthan’s potential in the agriculture and food processing sectors is yet to be tapped. Therefore, it can be said that the state government has taken a significant step in this direction,” says HS Kohli, Senior Marketing Manager, Sach Products, a small-sized food products manufacturer in Jaipur.
Key challenges
The food processing industry in Rajasthan is constituted primarily by small and mid-sized players operating in and around Jaipur, Barmer, Jaisalmer, Alwar and Bikaner. Over the years, the food processing industry in the state has been largely neglected by the government and could not prosper due to lack of funds.
“A weak infrastructure, poor road network and scarcity of funds are some of the key factors that have adversely impacted the food processing industry in Rajasthan. As a result, the food processing sector in the state has reached a state of stagnation, while neighbouring states like Gujarat and Punjab have progressed at a steady pace,” says Nand Kishore Awasthi, proprietor of Isher Food Products, a small-scale food products manufacturer and distributor in Bikaner.
Small-scale food and beverage (F&B) players have therefore welcomed the state government’s move to boost the food processing sector. They are now urging the government to introduce some more policies that would benefit the sector.
The state government, taking note of these pressing issues, has announced full cooperation to SMEs engaged in the segment. The government has also agreed to provide special incentives in marketing and packaging for the food processing units in the state. Thus, SMEs in the F&B industry in Rajasthan can expect further incentives in the near term and hope for bright prospects.
Shubhomita Bose |
