Opportunities of Doubling Farmers Income by Post Harvest Value Addition to Agricultural Produce

Abstract

The governments across the developing countries are facing a challenge of steadily increasing population, to maintain a balance demand and supply of food for increasing population and uplift the socio-economic status farming community. As the leading developing countries like India have successfully increased agricultural crop production by fourfold, there is wide potential for adoption of secondary agriculture practices after harvest of farm produce. Post-harvest processing of agricultural produce like milling of cereals and pulses, extraction of oil from oilseed crops, development of value added ready to eat and ready to serve food product etc. can not only facilitate efficient utilisation of crop produce and minimises losses but also can provide better returns to farmer turned entrepreneurs. Post-harvest processing operations can also generate employment opportunities in rural areas and increases countries export potential.