The Hindu Business Line : Kerala urged to improve food quality to become global player

KERALA should improve the quality of foods by enhancing its competitiveness so as to become a global player in the processed food sector, says Dr A.S. Bawa, Director, Defence Food Research Ltd.

This, he told a seminar organised by Kinfra here recently, could be achieved by improving quality at every stage, better farming techniques, logistics, improved storage and processing system.

Enhancement in competition among the processed food could be achieved by analysing the quality of raw materials, adopting the various international food safety and quality norms and developing a clear road map for progress, he added.

The large reservoir of herbs and plant resource as well as traditional knowledge of functional foods and nutraceuticals would help the State to go a long way in becoming a global player in food processing in terms of the upcoming health foods, body building foods etc.

Kerala has unique qualities that make it India's most promising industrial destination. The State has top notch infrastructure support systems, highly skilled personnel for all type of jobs, abundant natural resources, excellent transport and communication network and the strategic location on the corridor connecting Europe and Pacific rim makes it well connected by air and sea route.

All these and being the most literate State add up to provide vast opportunities for the growth of various industrial sectors especially food processing sector, he added.

Dr Bawa pointed out that there are an estimated 40,000 units in the food-processing sector in the country, of which nearly 1,300 units functioned in the State.

Though Kerala is rich in coconut and exporter of spices, seafood and processed foods, studies revealed that the State makes up only 3.5 per cent of India's total exports.

Moreover, the State's contribution in food products makes up to 20-25 per cent of the total export every year despite the fact that it accounts for comparatively much lower land area, he said.

According to Kinfra, the food processing sector commands nearly Rs 5,000 crore in exports and has a potential to become Rs 30,000-crore worth industries in the State.

As per the latest statistical report, food forms 2/3rd of the exports from Kerala and in 1/5th of India's food export. The State is a home to 75 per cent of seafood units certified by the European Union.

The demand for fruit juices and fruit-based beverages is increasing in the State. The fruit juice industry has a promising future. The produce in most demand is the pickles made from fresh fruits and vegetables, he said.

More Stories on : Foods & Food Processing | Kerala

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page