Telangana targets agriculture, food processing to drive growth
HYDERABAD: The Telangana government is planning to give priority to agriculture and food processing industries to reshape the state’s economic profile. The focus will be on strengthening the farm sector, boosting exports and expanding employment opportunities in rural areas.
Push to make Telangana national agri-food hub
Leveraging crop diversity, farmer collectives, and the rapid expansion of food parks and processing zones, the government aims to position Telangana as a national hub for agriculture and food-based industries. Plans are being fine tuned to strengthen mega food parks, enhance competitiveness among small enterprises, and roll out an integrated policy covering crop based marketing infrastructure, modern warehousing and expansion of cold storage networks.
Through Telangana Food Processing Society
Through the Telangana Food Processing Society (TGFPS) under the Industries Department, the government plans to attract private investment to strengthen food parks and food processing zones. Small food processing units will be supported through branding, packaging and marketing grants to promote retail sales as well as exports. Financial assistance will be extended to enable small enterprises to sell products through e-commerce platforms.
To ensure uninterrupted supply of vegetables and fruits to processing units, plans include setting up micro cold storages with a capacity of 110 tonnes. These facilities will be provided with solar power support through the Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation and the Marketing Department.
Multi-product processing centres
The government is also working on setting up multi product processing centres for farmer producer organisations and traders. Processing of grains, fruits, vegetables, oilseeds, dairy products, meat and fish at these centres is expected to generate local employment while strengthening supply chains to ensure uninterrupted raw material flow to mega food parks.
Nutraceutical food parks, innovation focus
In collaboration with pharma and food companies, the government is considering setting up nutraceutical food parks, a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country. Universities and other development and research institutions will be involved in activities at these parks.
To promote research and innovation in food processing, plans include establishing a National Centre for Food Innovation. Through TGFPS, certification will be provided to improve international quality standards in food processing products and boost exports.
Technology-led processing push
Modern information technology will be deployed to raise standards in food processing, including spices, fruits and vegetables. Departments have been tasked with promoting innovations by integrating artificial intelligence and other technologies across cultivation, yield and processing stages.
The government also plans to encourage agriculture based industries by linking regions known for specific crops. Processing industries related to mango, chilli, turmeric, soybean, pulses, paddy, cotton, maize and millets will be promoted across the state.
