Dairy is the main source of livelihood for about 58% of India’s population. The Indian food
industry is poised for huge growth, increasing its contribution to the world food trade every year
due to its immense potential for value addition, particularly within the food processing industry.
The Indian food processing industry accounts for 32% of the country’s total food market, one
of the largest industries in India, and is ranked fifth in terms of production, consumption, export,
and expected growth. It contributes around 8.80% and 8.39% of Gross Value Added (GVA) in
Manufacturing and Agriculture respectively, 13% of India’s exports and 6% of total industrial
investment. In 2018-19, the Government of India is targeting foodgrain production of 285.2 million
tonnes. India is the second-largest fruit producer in the world. Production of horticulture crops is
estimated at a record 314.7 million tonnes (mt) in 2018-19 as per third advance estimates. In FY2019
agriculture exports were US$ 38.54 billion. India is also the largest producer, consumer, and
exporter of spices and spice products.
