Growth and Development of Agro-Processing Industries in Punjab and Haryana : A Comparative Study

Though the Indian economy is basically an agrarian economy, yet, the management of food grains remains a big issue. Where on the one hand, supply of food grains is decreasing due to some obvious reasons; storage of hitherto produced food grains is also a matter of concern. Estimates reveal that a whopping 9.33 percent of the total production of grains goes into waste at various stages of production. Further, limited storage capacity of public procurement agencies adds fuel to the woes, wherein, the food grains are exposed to moisture/dust in the open. Experts suggest that if this wastage is stopped, it can help feed 1400 million people a month. Strategic development of agro-processing industries in the food grains surplus states can provide a viable answer to the ailing situation. The present study intends to find out which agro industries are best suited for the two states - Punjab and Haryana - the maximum green revolution beneficiary states and also examines the propinquity of agro-processing industries in these two states.