QUESTION 4
GS3
10 marks
What are the challenges and opportunities of food processing sector in the country? How can income of the farmers be substantially increased by encouraging food processing?
WRITE IN
7 min
150 words
What the examiner wants
Discuss the challenges and opportunities in food processing and how it can raise farm incomes.
DiscussExplain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view.
Demand-wise check
- 1Opportunities: large production base, changing diets, exports, low processing levels≈30 words
- 2Challenges: poor cold chain, small scale units, quality standards, credit, seasonality≈30 words
- 3Farmer income: assured demand (contract farming), less wastage, value addition, rural jobs, FPO-owned units≈30 words
- 4Schemes: PMKSY, PLI for food processing, PMFME≈30 words
Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.
Answer plan
StatusOpportunitiesChallengesIncome channelsConclusion
Where marks usually go
- Not linking processing to farmers' income
- No data on processing levels
Draw this
- Value chain: farm → processing → market
Value addition
- DataLess than 10% of India's fruits and vegetables are processed.Ministry of Food Processing Industries
- SchemePM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) supports about 2 lakh micro units on 'One District One Product' lines.MoFPI
Next: plan for one minute, write it in 7 minutes, then get it checked.