Keralites’ penchant for food has resulted in the food sector emerging as a major driving force for attracting investment and generating employment. Among the manufacturing sectors in Kerala, the food sector has come out on top with 19,845 new enterprises, followed by the garments and textiles sector.
As per a latest report by the Kerala Industries Department, the food sector comprising agro-food, beverage, meat, and fish products has witnessed an investment of Rs 1,562.01 crore, generating 48,498 jobs, followed by the garments and textiles sector with 5,417 new enterprises bringing in a total investment of Rs 273.14 crore and creating 14,663 jobs.
Minister for Industries P. Rajeev, in a recent LinkedIn post, has outlined how different sectors have fared in Kerala, positively changing the state’s investment climate.
“The wood products sector has 1,893 enterprises, attracting Rs 479.31 crore in investment and generating 7,587 jobs. Handloom, coir, and handicraft items saw 1,782 enterprises launched, with Rs 62.24 crore invested and 4,270 jobs created. In building and construction materials, 1,681 enterprises started with Rs 341.44 crore invested, generating 7,088 jobs,” the Minister said, adding that emerging sectors like drugs and pharmaceuticals, electrical products, and plastic products also witnessed considerable investment.
“These sectors added over 800 enterprises, with investments exceeding Rs 142 crore and generating more than 2,800 jobs. Other key sectors, including automobiles, medical equipment, and renewable energy, also contributed significantly. The Year of Enterprises has been instrumental in driving this industrial transformation, helping Kerala become a hub for new enterprises, with substantial job creation and investment, positioning the state as a leading contender in India’s manufacturing future,” Rajeev added.
