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Abstract
The paper has studied the structure and extent of value addition in different agro-processing units in
Himachal Pradesh. It has also examined the financial viability of agro-processing industries in the state.
The break-even analysis has shown enough leverage for processing units to stay in the business even at
low capacity utilization. The extent of value addition has been about 53 per cent in the processing sector.
The maximum value addition has been observed in fruits/vegetable processing (133%), followed by bakery
and confectionery units. The financial viability ratios computed from financial accounts have revealed
high current ratio but lower quick ratio (acid test) in most of the processing industries, showing that many
industries have substantial unsold inventories. However, financial ratios have been found more favourable
in case of small units as compared to large units. A direct relationship has been found between size of the
firm and number of its backward and forward linkages. An average processing industry has 85 backward
linkages and 123 forward linkages. It is found that geographical concentration of the processing industries
in the state is influenced more by demand rather than supply factors . The suggestions and recommendations
emerging from the investigation include policy thrust and emphasis on developing industrial areas in raw
material producing regions, thrust on small-scale industries for self-employment in micro enterprises in
rural areas, promotion of supporting and subsidiary (intermediate) industries to diversify value addition
activities, cost effective and adequate supply of raw material by strengthening direct linkages through
suitable contract farming models, liberal credit policy to modernize processing units and encouraging
formation of small industries consortia or associations for collective marketing and sales promotion.