Telangana Emerge as India's Thriving Food Processing Hub

Hyderabad: Telangana is increasingly demonstrating that it is a centre for the food processing industry as well, after establishing itself as a hub for the country’s technology, healthcare, innovation, electronic manufacturing, and aerospace industries.

One of the largest wet corn milling plants, one of the largest export-oriented oleoresin and chilli processing units, and India’s first fully integrated fresh water fish production unit are all currently operating out of Telangana. India’s largest ice-cream manufacturing unit, Hatsun’s venture, and the first unit of French flavors and beverage firm Georges Monin SAS are also there.

Soon, fish produced in Rajanna Sircilla’s aqua center will be shipped to the US and other nations. With an investment of Rs. 2,000 crore, three private businesses are establishing the aqua center at Rajarajeswara Sagar. Additionally, a food processing facility from the international LuLu Group, which just made an announcement, is on the way. Since the State’s founding, the State administration has given the food processing industry great importance, which is why all of this is taking place.

The movement is receiving support from a variety of sources, with the production of agricultural, cattle, poultry, and oil palm in the State also rising significantly.

There is a consistent flow of investments into the food processing industry as a result of the State government’s support for the expansion of agri and food production units. Over 80,000 new jobs have been created since 2014 thanks to fixed capital investments in the food processing sector totaling Rs. 6,864 crore. So date, more than 3,800 units have been created throughout the State.

Telangana Special Food Processing Zones (TSFPZ) have been established all throughout the state to encourage the food processing industry by fostering the development of large-scale clusters. There are now 14 Special Food Processing Zones, with a goal of covering around 10,000 acres.

351 acres were given to 77 food processing businesses up until March 2023. In addition, proposals for the allocation of 803 acres were being considered.

The State government held the first-ever Food Conclave in April of this year, and 28 announcements with investments totaling Rs. 7,218 crore and the possibility of 58,000 new jobs throughout the State have been added to the list.

Land allocation and other issues need to be resolved in accordance with the needs of the enterprises. According to a representative of the Telangana State Food Processing Society, a few

businesses may soon declare the start of their operations while others may announce the laying of foundations for their businesses.

Not just that. The establishment of food processing businesses to transform rice into a variety of goods was also announced by the Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao last month.

Additionally, he announced the opening of rice mills that would be under the direction of the State Civil Supplies Corporation. Mills for the manufacture of rice bran oil would be built and connected to rice mills. The Chief Minister has promised to build more warehouses as well.

The State government was concentrating on creating micro food processing businesses with small and micro entrepreneurs, notably SHGs, in addition to big scale clusters, and providing the essential assistance.

All assistance was provided to these business owners, starting with the development of their business idea and ending with the installation of their equipment. Through SERP and MEPMA, a total of Rs. 36.83 crore in seed money has been distributed to 9373 SHG members.

With an investment of Rs. 8.43 crore, three common incubation centers are being built. Millets for Hyderabad, the processing of spices in rural Warangal, and the processing of mangoes in the Jagtial district are some of these incubator facilities.