The Food Processing Industry in Nagaland: An Overview of the Present Scenario

The current study highlights the present scenario and scope of the food processing industry in Nagaland. Nagaland is predominantly mountainous terrain, with lush green valleys and rivers. The state experiences a moderate climate, with heavy rainfall during the monsoon season. It offers ample water and moisture for vegetation, including forest, horticulture plants, and Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs). It is recognised as one of the 36 hotspots worldwide for its biodiversity. The state offers abundant entrepreneurial opportunities in the food processing sector, agro-horticulture sector, packed food, fruits and vegetables. Some highlights of the promising entrepreneurial opportunities are- the state is home to 650 medicinal and aromatic plants, it is the leading producer of plum and peach in the north-eastern region (NER), the second largest producer of passion fruit in India and has exquisite geographical indicator tags of Naga mircha (King Chilli), Naga sweet cucumber and Naga tree tomatoes (tamarillo). Therefore, in Nagaland, several processed food options can be created using the available agricultural products and has the potential to be a sunrise sector for food processing and other agri-businesses.