Food processing and related industries in India - scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management

Elaborate the scope and significance of the food processing industry in India.

What are the main bottlenecks in upstream and downstream process of marketing of agricultural products in India?

What are the main constraints in transport and marketing of agricultural produce in India?

What are the challenges and opportunities of food processing sector in the country? How can income of the farmers be substantially increased by encouraging food processing?

Elaborate the policy taken by the Government of India to meet the challenges of the food processing sector.

Examine the role of supermarkets in supply chain management of fruits, vegetables and food items. How do they eliminate number of intermediaries?

What are the reasons for poor acceptance of cost-effective small processing unit? How the food processing unit will be helpful to uplift the socio-economic status of poor farmers?

In view of the declining average size of land holdings in India which has made agriculture non-viable for a majority of farmers, should contract farming and land leasing be promoted in agriculture? Critically evaluate the pros and cons.

What are the impediments in marketing and supply chain management in developing the food processing industry in India? Can e-commerce help in overcoming these bottlenecks?

There is also a point of view that Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) set up under the State Acts have not only impeded the development of agriculture but also have been the cause of food inflation in India. Critically examine.