Chemistry

Agro-based Industries and Industrial Processes

A clear trend exists towards diets that include more animal products such as fish, meat and dairy products, which in turn increase the demand for feed grains (FAO, 2007). There is also a growing use of agricultural products, particularly grains and oil crops, as bioenergy production feedstock. The role of agriculture in the process of development has been reappraised and re-valued from the point of view of its contribution to industrialization and its importance for harmonious development and political and economic stability. Agro-industry, i.e. the processing, preservation and preparation of agricultural production for intermediate and final consumption, performs a number of crucial functions that support development and poverty alleviation. It could cover a variety of industrial, manufacturing and processing activities based on agricultural raw materials as also activities and services that go as inputs to agriculture. There are a number of ways of classifying agro-based industries. Broadly these are classified as food and non-food industries. According to the International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC) agro-industry consists of: -

· Food and beverages

· Tobacco products;

· Paper and wood products

· Textiles, footwear and apparel

· Lather products

· Rubber products.