INDIAN PROCESSED FOOD: RECENT TRENDS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS

India is fast emerging as a sourcing hub of processed food. India's food processing sector includes fruit and vegetables; spices; meat and poultry; milk and milk products, beverages, fisheries, plantation, grain processing and other consumer product groups such as confectionery, chocolates and cocoa products, soya-based products, mineral water, high protein foods etc. Dairy Industry is also growing. Government has implemented various schemes to promote at the same time favorable Exim policy is also benefiting equally. It is in the unorganized segment. Government should give more support and should more formalize it. It has export potentials. Food processing sector is indispensable for overall development of an economy as it provides a vital linkage and synergy between the agriculture and industry. It helps to diversify and commercialize farming; enhance income of farmers; create markets for export of agro foods aswell as generate greater employment opportunities.