Ranchi: Jharkhand, like Sikkim, has an enormous potential to develop itself as a big player in the organic market, according to R. Shankaran, director of Chennai-based Frigoscan Post Harvest Technologies that offers multiple agro services.

Shankaran was speaking at a food processing conclave at a city hotel on Saturday.

Held under the aegis of the state industries department, the conclave was organised by Indian Chamber of Commerce in association with the Union ministry of food processing industries to generate interest in the state's agriculture products, promote schemes of the Union government related to food processing and attract investments. It was attended by about 100 stakeholders and prospective investors.

"Food processing is a new concept in this young state and it should be given proper importance so that the state becomes a big player in the organic market," Shankaran said, adding that Jharkhand has fertile land, sufficient water, favourable climate and low-cost labour.

"Jharkhand produces vegetables such as peas and tomato in abundance, but the processing facility is in a very poor shape here," said D.N. Singh, director (research) of Birsa Agricultural University. Product diversification, value addition and provision for cold storages were key areas that needed attention, he said.

Anupam Roy of BIT, Mesra, stressed the need to address food safety issues and a system of quality certification. "There must be a system of accreditation giving guarantee of minimum safety standards."

Nabard manager Shaleen Lakra briefed about various loan schemes aimed at developing warehouses and cold storages. State industries director K. Ravikumar said Jharkhand was eager to give a boost to the food processing industry.