Pondicherry

Agro-Processing Industry

While Pondicherry does not have any comparative advantage in terms of its natural resource base, there are many areas in which it can develop comparative advantage over time. With emphasis being placed on a diversified agricultural base driven considerably by horticultural and floricultural crops, the agro-processing industry is one industry in which such a comparative advantage can be developed. Marine product processing must also be an important component of it. Pondicherry's long coastline offers it the opportunity to develop its fisheries sector and consequently a sea food processing industry as well.
For this to happen, effective forward and backward linkages need to be established so as to sustain a symbiosis between agriculture and industry. If farmers are assured of having outlets to market their vegetables, fruits and flowers, they will be encouraged to grow more of these crops. The government, therefore, needs to take the initiative in encouraging entrepreneurs to start such industries by giving them the necessary facilities and some concessions in the initial years.

Agro-processing industries will have a number of other benefits. Besides establishing a link between agriculture and industry, many of these industries will locate themselves in rural areas and thus provide much needed employment to the rural workforce which is not able any longer to depend on agriculture alone. Moreover, the food processing industry is a relatively labour intensive industry and thus an important source of employment in general.

Biotechnology Industry

There are plans in the offing for establishing a biotechnology park in Pondicherry. A biotechnology policy has also been drafted. With Pondicherry's strong educational base, especially in the sciences, medicine and engineering, good potential exists for promoting biotechnology. The Union Territory may be in a good position to compete in this field with support from the Department of Biotechnology, JIPMER and Pondicherry University. A comprehensive human resource development programme has to be launched to attract both experts and entrepreneurs to this emerging field. Infrastructure for the Biotechnology Park should include library, computers, bioinformatics network, wet labs, green houses, animal testing and office area. It may be desirable to link up with French or American universities to develop the biotechnology park.