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(GIST OF KURUKSHETRA) Food Processing of Horticultural Crops
(GIST OF KURUKSHETRA) Food Processing of Horticultural Crops
(FEBRUARY-2025)
Food Processing of Horticultural Crops
Introduction
The significance of food processing is paramount in maintaining food and nutrition security, particularly in a nation like India, which boasts a vast and varied populace. This process entails the transformation of raw food into edible or long-lasting forms, safeguarding preservation, safety, and improved nutritional benefits.
Food Processing in India
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India ranks as the second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables worldwide but contends with substantial post-harvest losses due to the limited shelf life of these goods.
Research indicates losses ranging from:
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6.7-15.8% for fruits
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4.5-12.4% for vegetables
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Such losses lead to significant economic disadvantages and transpire at numerous stages:
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Storage
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Packaging
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Transportation
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Marketing
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Food processing is crucial to mitigate these losses, enhance nutrient retention, and ensure food quality.
Global Market and Potential
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The international market for fruit and vegetable ingredients is growing, with developed countries importing a considerable portion of their food.
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India's food processing sector is on the rise, contributing to exports and job creation.
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Nevertheless, processing levels in India lag behind global benchmarks.
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There exists tremendous potential for India to elevate its share in the global processed food market, especially in high-value and value-added goods.
Emerging Technologies in Food Processing
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Cutting-edge technologies are transforming food processing, boosting efficiency, quality, and safety.
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Non-Thermal Technologies:
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High-Pressure Processing (HPP): Preserves food without sacrificing nutritional and sensory characteristics.
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Cold Plasma Technology: Decreases microbial contamination while upholding food quality.
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Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) Technology: Improves shelf life and nutrient preservation.
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These technologies present benefits such as:
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Extended shelf life
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Enhanced microbial control
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Minimal effects on nutritional value
Food Fortification: Addressing Micronutrient Deficiencies
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Food fortification stands as a pivotal approach to address micronutrient deficiencies in India.
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This entails the addition of essential vitamins and minerals to staple food items.
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Especially pertinent in India, where deficiencies in iron, iodine, and vitamin A are widespread.
Role of Technology in Food Processing
Government Initiatives Supporting Food Processing
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The Indian government has initiated diverse schemes and policies to bolster the food processing sector.
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Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY):
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Concentrates on modern infrastructure, financial support, and sector formalization.
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PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme
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Aids small food processing businesses with financing and training.
Way Forward:
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The food processing industry in India harbors significant growth potential.
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Enhanced collaboration among research institutions, industry, and government to propel innovation.
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Stimulating investment in modern food processing technologies.
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Expanding cold storage and logistics facilities to diminish post-harvest losses.
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Fostering exports of processed food goods to increase India's global market presence.
Conclusion
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Food processing is essential for decreasing post-harvest losses, ensuring food security, and stimulating economic growth.
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With technological progress, governmental support, and increased investments, India can strengthen its food processing sector and aspire to become a global front-runner in the industry.
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Courtesy: Kurukshetra