|
|
|
You can get e-magazine links on WhatsApp. Click here
|
|
|
|
|
|
Processing industry must adopt multifaceted approach
|
|
Tuesday, 31 December, 2024, 16 : 00 PM [IST]
|
|
Ravin Saluja
|
The food processing industry is pivotal in addressing global food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture. With the 2030 deadline for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) approaching, the sector is tasked with achieving ambitious objectives. However, these goals are accompanied by complex challenges that necessitate innovation and collaboration across stakeholders.
Goals for 2030
One of the primary goals for the food processing industry is to contribute to ending hunger. Aligned with SDG 2, the sector is central to eradicating hunger, improving food security, and enhancing nutrition. By making affordable and nutritious food widely accessible, food processing can help alleviate one of humanity’s most persistent issues.
Another significant goal is halving food waste at the retail and consumer levels. Wasted food not only undermines global food security but also contributes to environmental degradation. Reducing food loss and wastage is critical to building a sustainable future.
The promotion of sustainable agriculture is a core component of the 2030 Agenda. Emphasising ecofriendly farming practices, resource conservation, and minimising environmental impact is essential for ensuring the longterm viability of food production systems.
Equally important is protecting genetic resources. Safeguarding plant and animal genetic diversity ensures resilience to climate change, pests, and diseases, while also preserving the foundation for sustainable agricultural production.
Transitioning to clean energy is another key goal. By embracing renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal power, the food processing sector can reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.
Finally, ending malnutrition is an urgent priority. Malnutrition weakens immune systems, increases susceptibility to diseases, and results in loss of life. The food industry must innovate to produce nutrient-rich, fortified products to combat deficiencies and support global health.
Challenges
The path to achieving these goals is fraught with challenges. Sustainability and climate change remain pressing concerns, with rising temperatures, erratic weather patterns, and water scarcity affecting agricultural yields and raw material availability. The carbon footprint of food processing plants, coupled with waste management issues, exacerbates these challenges.
Food waste and losses continue to undermine global food security. Postharvest losses due to inadequate storage, inefficient logistics, and poor infrastructure remain significant issues. At the consumer level, lack of awareness about proper storage and overpurchasing habits contribute to unnecessary wastage.
The uneven integration of technology poses another hurdle. While large corporations are adopting automation, AI, and IoT, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) often struggle due to high costs, limited expertise, and cyber security concerns. This technological gap hinders overall sectoral progress.
Regulatory and safety compliance is a persistent challenge. The need to meet diverse food safety standards across international markets requires significant investment in testing and certification. Additionally, combating food fraud demands vigilance and robust systems.
The sector also faces workforce challenges. Automation reduces reliance on manual labour but creates demand for a skilled workforce capable of operating advanced machinery. Labour shortages in rural areas and high attrition rates further strain resources.
Lastly, rising costs of raw materials, energy, and logistics due to inflation, geopolitical tensions, and climate variability make balancing affordability with quality and sustainability increasingly difficult.
Solutions
To overcome these challenges, the food processing industry must adopt a multifaceted approach.
1. Embracing Sustainability
Sustainability must underpin every aspect of the food processing sector. Transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal power can significantly reduce the sector's carbon footprint. Water efficient technologies and circular economy models, where waste is repurposed into valuable byproducts, can further enhance sustainability.
2. Minimising Food Waste
Reducing food waste requires an integrated approach across the supply chain. Investments in modern cold chain systems and storage facilities can minimise postharvest losses. At the consumer level, raising awareness about responsible consumption and proper storage practices is critical. Digital tools like AI can optimise inventory management and minimise overproduction at the processing stage.
3. Leveraging Technology
Technology is a key enabler for the future of food processing. Governments and industry bodies should provide subsidies and low-cost loans to SMEs to facilitate the adoption of automation and advanced systems. Strengthening cyber security frameworks ensures the safe integration of smart technologies. Blockchain can enhance supply chain transparency, making it easier to trace food products and ensure quality.
4. Enhancing Regulatory Compliance
Meeting regulatory standards can be simplified with the use of AI-driven quality control systems, which reduce costs and minimise errors in safety checks. Collaborating with regulatory bodies to harmonise food safety norms globally can alleviate the burden on exporters and streamline compliance processes.
5. Workforce Development
Addressing workforce challenges involves upskilling and retaining talent. Partnerships with academic institutions and vocational centres can provide industry-specific training programmes. Offering competitive benefits and growth opportunities can help retain skilled employees, ensuring the sector has the human resources needed to thrive.
6. Cost Management and Innovation
Balancing costs with sustainability and quality demands operational efficiency and product diversification. Lean manufacturing practices can minimise waste and lower production expenses. Developing high-margin, innovative products tailored to niche markets can also provide a competitive edge.
The collective efforts of governments, industry leaders, and consumers are essential to achieving global food security, reducing waste, and promoting sustainable development. With a united vision and decisive action, the food processing industry can play a central role in shaping a healthier, more sustainable world by 2030.
(The author is director, Sterling Agro Industries Ltd
[Nova Dairy Products])
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|