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@article{184388,
        author = {U Gowtham and Dr. S. Manivel},
        title = {Studies on Problems and Limitations to the Growth of the Agro-Processing Sector: A Case Study and SWOT/SWOC Analysis of Agro Based Enterprises in Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu, India},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {4},
        pages = {1270-1280},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=184388},
        abstract = {This research examines the problems and limitations hindering the growth of the agro-processing sector through a comprehensive case study of Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu, India. The study employs SWOT/SWOC analysis to evaluate agro-based enterprises and identifies critical constraints across infrastructure, policy, financial, technological, and marketing domains. Using simple random sampling methodology, data was collected from 60 agro-processing units and 120 stakeholders across 10 taluks in Dindigul District during 2022-26. The research reveals that while the district possesses significant agricultural potential with diverse crops and favourable geographical conditions, agro-processing industries face substantial challenges including inadequate infrastructure, complex regulatory procedures, limited access to capital, outdated technologies, and fragmented supply chains. The study found that agro-processing units struggle with inconsistent raw material supply, poor quality control, inadequate technical expertise, and weak market linkages. The SWOT analysis indicates that despite having abundant natural resources and skilled labour, the sector is constrained by traditional approaches, small fragmented holdings, and lack of professional management. Key recommendations include developing cold storage facilities, streamlining licensing procedures, providing technical training, and establishing better farm-industry linkages to enhance the sector’s growth potential.},
        keywords = {Agro-processing, SWOT Analysis, Dindigul District, Agricultural Development, Rural Entrepreneurship, Supply Chain Management},
        month = {September},
        }