Agro food-processing: A sunrise sector of the Indian economy

India is the largest producer of milk, fruits, pulses, cashew nuts, coconuts and tea in world, and accounts for 10% of the world fruit production. Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has estimated that the food processing sector has potential of attracting US$ 33 billion (Rs.1,50,000 Crores) of investment in next ten years. The Indian domestic food market is expected to grow by nearly 40% of the current market size to Rs. 12,900 billion by 2015 and Rs. 17,200 billion by 2025. The state wants to fully utilize the untapped potential of the sector, and generate more revenue from the sector. If the policies of government towards food processing industry are analysed, there also it comes out that according to the vision 2015, the food processing industry is moving towards higher avenues, for example increase in the level of processing of perishables from 6% to 20%, value addition from 20% to 35%, increase in share of global food trade from 1.5% to 3%. These targets can be achieved if policies are implemented properly and international standards match then food processing industry can become the leading industry of India's economy, generating huge employment opportunities and increase in Income.