Not just agriculture but all agribusiness is critical for our survival. Primary processing like dairy milk, bakery and vegetable oils are afloat, albeit with 20-25% hit.
Since consumption has also declined there is an edgy balance struck. Secondary processing sectors like chocolates, sauces, cheese etc.
have seen much worse hit as consumers have pruned their consumption to conserve cash. However, consumerism and demographic pluses will pull up all 25 sub-sectors of food processing to bounce back strongly and can be the flag bearer for the economy.
With its predictable growth trajectory, government should be “ready and willing" to support it fully recognizing that the “pay back" will be short due to: (i) Sustained and irreversible consumer