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The agro and food processing industries sector is one of the
largest in terms of production, consumption, export and growth
prospects. This sector ranks fifth in the country in size,
employs over 1.6 million workers (20% of the nation’s labour
force) and accounts for 15.19% of total industry output with
5.5% of the GDP. India’s
 growing domestic demand for value-added
processed foods and its self-sufficiency in supply will help in
the growth of this sector faster.
The state of West Bengal is a significant producer of many
horticulture and agriculture items, which give it a natural
advantage to invest in Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Spices
and Grain Processing industries. Besides this, the state also
produces other Food Products like fish, meat and poultry
products in abundance, which also have enormous processing
prospects.
Some of the key features of West Bengal’s other Food Products:
• In fisheries, the state ranks first in freshwater fish
production and second in shrimp aquaculture.
• The state has the largest brackish water resources for shrimps
in India and has been a major player in shrimp exports from
India.
• In total meat production (including poultry), the state ranks
almost first in the country.
• In duck meat production, the state ranks first in the country.
• The state ranks fifth in the country in egg production.
• The state offers vast opportunity for value added dairy
products and sweetmeats. The sweetmeat industry in West Bengal
is famous throughout the world for its wide range of products.
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