Maharashtra is one of the most industrialized states in the country. Mumbai and Pune, the two big cities in the state are the major manufacturing hubs in India. However, Maharashtra is also one of the forerunners in terms of agricultural produce. The state of Maharashtra is blessed with nine agro-climatic zones, typical monsoon climate and diverse weather conditions that pave the way for the cultivation of different agriculture crops.
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Some of the major crops produced in the state include rice, jowar, pulses, pearl millet, soybean, sugar cane, groundnut, cotton, sunflower, etc. Mango, pomegranate, grapes, guava, banana, tomato, onion, citrus, papaya, orange, etc. are some of the major fruits and vegetables in Maharashtra. Nashik, known as the grape capital of India, contributes to more than 50% of the grape exports of India.
Maharashtra is one of the top producers of fisheries in the country. The state produced around 634 thousand metric tons of fish in the FY 2018.
Maharashtra’s strong presence in agriculture and abundant availability of raw materials provide a base for the food processing industry in the state. Food processing has been identified as one of the thrust sectors by the state government in Maharashtra Industrial Policy-2019.
Advantage Maharashtra
- Maharashtra is the largest contributor to India’s economy
- 9 agro-climatic zones and 720 km of coastal line
- 2nd largest population in India
- Mumbai, the capital city of Maharashtra, is home to major corporate companies and financial institutions in the country
- World-class infrastructure, abundant availability of raw materials and human resources
- Robust logistic facilities, connectivity with all major cities in the country
Govt. Initiatives
The Government of Maharashtra provides a lot of incentives to the food processing sector in order to promote the food processing industries in the state.- 5% interest subsidy on loans for fixed capital investment for 5 years
- Stamp duty and registration fee exemption
- Electricity duty exemption
- 50% land-related concession
- 5% subsidy on capital equipment for technology upgradation