New Delhi, May 22 -- India's food processing industry has contributed 7.7 percent to the country's total manufacturing gross value added while supporting over seven million jobs across its value chain.

According to a comprehensive analysis by Deloitte and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the sector has reached a valuation of USD 160 billion and is emerging as a catalyst for rural industrialisation and improved agricultural efficiency.

The agriculture and food processing value chain now represents nearly 30 percent of India's national food market, reflecting substantial growth driven by multiple convergent factors.

The industry is simultaneously addressing critical challenges such as post-harvest losses wh...