GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES ENHANCING SUPPORT FOR MSME FOOD PROCESSING UNITS IN KERALA

Abstract

This study focuses on the efficacy of four government programs in Kerala's food handling sector, explicitly targeting Miniature, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The programs under examination are the Kerala MSME Improvement Programme (KMDP), the Kerala Food Handling Strategy, the Kerala Foundation and Innovation for MSMEs (KITCO) Plan, and the (ESS). Relapse tests were undertaken to evaluate the relationship between the execution of these plans and the satisfaction of MSME food processing unit owners. The findings indicate significant positive connections between all strategies and owner satisfaction, with the Kerala Food Handling Strategy exhibiting the most critical degree of adequacy. The technique has the most excellent R-squared value, normalized coefficient (Beta), and measurable significance due to its complete support structure and significant influence on MSME development and manageability. These results highlight the importance of government-appointed mediators in creating a favorable climate for the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the food handling industry.