**Subject:** Economy The **food processing industry** has emerged as a vital sector bridging India's agricultural strength with industrial growth potential, contributing significantly to the nation's economic development and food security goals. ## Scope of Food Processing Industry **Sectoral Coverage**:
- Encompasses processing of **agricultural commodities, dairy products, meat, poultry**, and marine products into value-added consumables.
- Extends across **primary processing** (cleaning, grading) to **secondary processing** (value addition) and **tertiary processing** (ready-to-eat products). **Economic Contribution**:
- Contributes **14% to manufacturing GDP** and **13% to exports**, showcasing its economic significance.
- Records **8.80% and 8.39% of GVA** in Manufacturing and Agriculture sectors respectively.
- Agricultural and processed food exports witnessed **13% YoY growth** reaching ** 26.56 billion** exports for FY25. The food processing industry serves as a crucial link between agriculture and manufacturing, offering immense potential for growth through initiatives like **"Make in India"** and **"Atmanirbhar Bharat"**. The sector's development is vital for achieving the twin objectives of **food security** and **doubling farmers' income**.