The Indian government, in collaboration with the Food Processing Chamber Association, has announced the establishment of a Food Processing Center in Agra, just 20 kilometers from the DOC industrial zone. This initiative seeks to leverage the region’s agricultural produce—potatoes, cauliflower, and pickling salt—through integrated processing units. The center will provide advanced processing machinery and storage facilities to enhance productivity and reduce post-harvest losses.
The program aligns with India’s mission to expand its global footprint in agro-products such as spices, sweets, rice, and snacks. With a focus on building strong branding for Indian food products, the government aims to create lasting impressions in markets across the United States, UK, UAE, and Southeast Asia.
Incentives for Entrepreneurs
The Prime Minister’s Micro and Food Industry Scheme is a cornerstone of this development. It offers up to 35% in grants for micro-entrepreneurs, with banks extending up to 90% of the project cost as loans. Remarkably, this scheme is accessible even to individuals with minimal education, requiring only an eighth-grade qualification and a minimum age of 18 years.
The scheme covers diverse product categories, including fruits, milk, meat, grains, snacks, honey, and bakery items. Entrepreneurs in Agra are encouraged to seize this opportunity to align with the government’s vision by engaging in the production and export of value-added food items.
Enhancing Global Competitiveness
The initiative aims to elevate Indian agro-products on the international stage. According to CA RK Jain, integrating milk processing into the scheme and focusing on export-oriented products like spices, frozen goods, and certified packaged foods can make Indian products globally competitive.
- High-Demand Products by Region:
- United States: Spices and rice
- United Kingdom: Desserts and sweets
- UAE: Spices and traditional Indian sweets
- Southeast Asia: Basil-based products and frozen goods
The center will also facilitate digital marketing and branding, ensuring products meet global standards through certifications like FSSAI.
Agra’s Role in Food Processing
Agra, already renowned for its iconic petha and dal moth, is poised to become a significant hub for processed food exports. With government support, local entrepreneurs can tap into international markets, showcasing Indian culinary expertise to the world.
The establishment of the Food Processing Center in Agra represents a critical step in modernizing India’s agro-processing industry. By integrating advanced machinery, offering substantial grants, and promoting global branding, this initiative provides an excellent platform for farmers and entrepreneurs. It is expected to create jobs, enhance farmer incomes, and solidify India’s position as a global agro-processing leader.
