KOCHI: Kerala has the potential to emerge as a food processing hub worth Rs 30,000 cr business, according to KV Thomas MP.
Speaking after inaugurating a conclave of agriculture and food processing organised by Assocham here on Friday the former minister of state for food and civil supplies said that food processing sector in Kerala is currently worth over Rs 5,000 cr. “It has the potential to become a Rs 30,000 cr worth industry”, he said.
“Kerala is rich in coconut, spices, fruits, vegetables, sea food and processed foods. The spices, pickles and the marine products are major food product export from Kerala”, he pointed out. AJ Tharakan Chairman and Managing Director of Amalgam Food Ltd stressed the constraints faced by the sector in backward and forward integration.
The state government will have to play the role of a catalyst for the sustainable growth of the sector. Sushma Srikandath, Chief Executive Officer of AVT MaCormick Ingredients, Dr. Om S Tyagi, senior director of Assocham and several others addressed the conclave.
