Food Processing Industry in Kerala

In Kerala, the Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Kerala serves as the state's nodal agency overseeing the food processing initiatives, notably implementing the Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme in Kerala for micro-enterprises. The food processing sector contributes a major role in strengthening the linkages between industry and agriculture. A developed food processing sector having higher levels of processing helps to reduce wastage, promotes crop diversification, provides decent returns to farmers, increase employment and also the export earnings. Kerala is rich in a wide variety of natural food items. Kerala has been successful in developing its ethnic food preparations that caters export markets, mainly to cater to the Malayali diaspora across the world. These products have turned into an important export sector. With many Keralites living abroad, also with the rising demand for processed food in the country, the state has great opportunities for developing its food-processing industry. To fully utilise this opportunity, the government needs to develop a suitable platform for the native farmers, food processors, and food retailers to work together and link farm production with the global market.