Bangalore, Jun 20 : Space scientist K Kasturirangan today called for setting up of infrastructure, state-of-the-art technology and expansion of production facilities to boost food processing, which was wtinessing a 12 per cent growth and turning out to be a major driver of economic growth in the country.
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Addressing a convocation programme at the University of Agricultural Sciences here, he said growing economy, surplus food and a shift in the consumption pattern were the key factors behind the growth of this sector. ''Interestingly, while the country's GDP growth rate had increased from 3.5 per cent in 2002-03 to nine per cent in 2006-07, the food processing sector had grown from seven per cent to 12 per cent during the same period,'' he said.The industry requires about Rs 30,000 crore in investment over the next few years to create the necessary infrastructure, he said.Stating that one of the key aspects of this endeavour was development and adaptation of modern technologies, he said every year at least 16 million tonnes of foodgrains and 40 million tonnes of fruits and vegetables were rotting simply because of lack of infrastructure to store, process and market produce.Dr Kasturirangan, who is also a member of Rajya Sabha and member of the Planning Commission, stressed upon the issues of improving the soil health, irrigation facilities, linking of rivers and extension of cropping pattern at the national level.642 students were conferred with various degrees at the 43rd convocation presided by Karnataka Governor Rameshwar Thakur.
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Addressing a convocation programme at the University of Agricultural Sciences here, he said growing economy, surplus food and a shift in the consumption pattern were the key factors behind the growth of this sector. ''Interestingly, while the country's GDP growth rate had increased from 3.5 per cent in 2002-03 to nine per cent in 2006-07, the food processing sector had grown from seven per cent to 12 per cent during the same period,'' he said.The industry requires about Rs 30,000 crore in investment over the next few years to create the necessary infrastructure, he said.Stating that one of the key aspects of this endeavour was development and adaptation of modern technologies, he said every year at least 16 million tonnes of foodgrains and 40 million tonnes of fruits and vegetables were rotting simply because of lack of infrastructure to store, process and market produce.Dr Kasturirangan, who is also a member of Rajya Sabha and member of the Planning Commission, stressed upon the issues of improving the soil health, irrigation facilities, linking of rivers and extension of cropping pattern at the national level.642 students were conferred with various degrees at the 43rd convocation presided by Karnataka Governor Rameshwar Thakur.
