Growth, Nature, and Scope of Food Processing Industries in Punjab

Punjab is a landlocked state that used to perform reasonably well in terms of agriculture and industrialization until a few years back. It is today facing numerous problems in both these sectors. Researchers have already raised apprehensions about the sustainability of agriculture in the state. Economic benefits offered by other states remained successful in getting the industries shifted from Punjab. At this juncture, policy makers are increasingly focusing on the development of food processing industries that can be a catalyst in reviving the lost glory of the state. This study attempted to empirically find out the performance and prospects of food processing industries in the state. Specifically, I endeavored to find out the dominance, growth, and competitiveness of food processing industries in Punjab since 1980 - 81 besides identifying the nature of food processing industries. Three - digit level data which is issued by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, New Delhi for different industries throughout India is used for the purpose of analysis after working out the concordance to facilitate comparison. On the basis of results, appropriate conclusions were drawn and recommendations were extended for the development of food processing industries in the state.