Published Online:May 2026
Product Name:The IUP Journal of Operations Management
Product Type:Article
Product Code:IJOM010526
DOI:10.71329/IUPJOM/2026.25.2.48-61
Author Name:Nirupam Choudhury, Debomalya Ghose and Ajita Tiwari
Availability:YES
Subject/Domain:Management
Download Format:PDF
Pages:48-61
The study examines how infrastructural shortcomings continue to limit technological advancement among food processing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Northeast India. Despite the region’s vast agroresources and strategic position near Southeast Asian markets, enterprises face persistent obstacles related to poor transport connectivity, unreliable electricity supply, and inadequate institutional and financial support. Using a descriptive research approach, the paper analyzes existing government data, policy reports, and academic studies to map infrastructural gaps and their effects on modernization. The findings show that uneven policy implementation, scarcity of food-testing and cold-chain facilities, and limited access to finance have collectively slowed down technology adoption. The paper argues that stronger coordination between public institutions and private stakeholders is essential to overcome these barriers. By drawing connections between regional infrastructure deficits and enterprise performance, the study contributes practical insights for policymakers aiming to promote modernization and competitiveness in Northeast India’s food processing MSME sector.
The food processing sector has emerged as one of India’s most promising industries, contributing significantly to rural employment, value addition, and export diversification.