Status and Progress of Food Processing Sector

• Food Processing Industries (FPI) transform agricultural produce into value-added consumables; the sector is administered by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), GoI.
• Sunrise sector — largest employer in India's registered/organised manufacturing (12.83 % share) and a key vehicle for doubling farmers' income, reducing post-harvest losses, and boosting agri-exports.
• Relevance: links GS-III (Agriculture, Food Processing, Economy) with employment, MSMEs, FDI, and supply-chain infrastructure.