4 - Development of Convenient Foods through Diversified Processing Technologies

Summary

Need for Product Development

Food processing industry plays a vital role in the economic growth of the country. It helps in increasing the production and income of farmers, reducing the post-harvest losses, generating employment, and creating market for agricultural products. Food processing is defined as a process of modifying or adding value to the agricultural products by various methods. The main objective of product development is to develop food products with different characteristics, which gives additional benefits to the consumers. Products that are developed with innovative processing technologies improve the shelf life, quality, palatability, and nutritional composition of food.

In India, food processing industry has emerged as a key component in the manufacturing sector. Previously, food processing was majorly confined to the food preservation, packaging, and transportation. Emerging processing technologies have made it easier to produce ready-to-eat (RTE) and ready-to-cook (RTC) food. Current government policies as well as economic growth of the country have contributed to the growth of processing industries, development of various food products, and expansion of the market. The demand for processed and convenience food is increasing constantly because of the rise in income levels, urbanisation, steadily growing middle class and younger generation, changing lifestyle and food habits of the people, rising export opportunities, and proximity to key destinations. Among the food processing industries, grain processing industry is the key component of the food sector, which shares about 40 per cent of the market.