Scaling up Food Processing in India by Tapping Houesholds’ Potential
Published in Qeios Ltd, 2025
Despite being one of the world’s largest producers of fresh food and a dedicated ministry, the processing level is low in India. While 70% of employment remains in informal, unregistered enterprises, government schemes encourage only formal enterprises. Informal enterprises remain because of the stringent registration procedures. We cite the example of the US Cottage License to suggest the need for a liberal household food processing regime in India. We call for the industry to come forward to modernize the household sector so that it receives the benefits of finance, technology, and the market. We outline the benefits of this move for the consumer (fresh and palatable content, wholesome character preserving micro nutrients, tolerable levels of fat, sugars, and salt, and the possibility of useful microorganisms that can act as probiotics), for women (self-employment at home where they can continue to attend to children), and for the environment (lower carbon footprint).
Recommended citation: Sarwal, R. (2025). Scaling up Food Processing in India by Tapping Houesholds’ Potential. Qeios Ltd. https://doi.org/10.32388/P9GX5K
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