The processed food exports are currently valued at $43bn and are expected to grow significantly. The food processing sector employs about 13 million people directly, and has about 35 million people who are indirectly involved.
This data was revealed by ICAR deputy director general Swapan Dutta at the valedictory session of Agri Horti Fest 2013, which was organized by Indian Chamber of Commerce.
Swapan Dutta was quoted by the Economic Times as saying that scientists and policy makers should involve themselves more deeply to help increase productivity, which will allow farmers to earn more.
Higher investments are needed for infrastructure development to store perishable goods and lower their wastage during buffer production, Dutta added.
ICAR is an autonomous organisation under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India.