RFP invited to conduct skill gap study in rice fortification sector

Food Industry Capacity & Skill Initiative (FICSI) hereby invites proposals from reputed consulting firms or expert institutions having adequate experience of conducting studies involving big data and large sample size. FICSI intends to conduct the assessment of skill gaps in the rice fortification sector for the fiscal years 2023-2026 (3 Years). The purpose of this project is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of skill gaps within the rice fortification sector, with a focus on identifying areas where capacity building and training programs can be developed to enhance the sector’s workforce. This initiative is part of our commitment to improving food fortification efforts and ensuring the availability of fortified rice to combat malnutrition.

Background:

The growth in fortified rice kernel and fortified rice manufacturing industry over the past few years raises concerns about the emerging skill shortages due to a mismatch between the demand for specific skills and the available workforce. In recent years, shortages of skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled workers have become a critical factor impacting the competitiveness of the fortified rice kernel and fortified rice manufacturing industry in India. As the industry advances, the demand for skilled manpower is expected to increase exponentially.

To achieve the projected growth targets and become globally competitive, it is essential to develop and train the workforce efficiently. India can harness all the opportunities present in the fortified rice kernel and fortified rice manufacturing sector only when its labour force is educated and skilled. Therefore, it is critical to conduct a study on the skill shortage and anticipate the future demand for the workforce in the fortified rice kernel and fortified rice manufacturing industry for the period 2023-2026.

This study will help identify the gaps in the existing workforce and analyse the specific skills needed to meet the future demand of the industry. Based on the findings, the industry can devise strategies to bridge the skill gap by investing in training programs, apprenticeships, and other capacity-building initiatives. The study will also help in identifying the challenges and opportunities for the industry and develop a roadmap for its sustainable growth. 

Scope of Work

The scope of work would cover following points:

Industry, Market & technological Trends in Fortified Rice Kernel & Fortified Rice Manufacturing.

  • Market Size and Growth Rate
    • Estimate the market size and growth rate of the rice fortification sector, considering factors such as consumption patterns, population growth, and government initiatives. 
    • Identify the key drivers of market growth, including factors such as increasing awareness about the nutritional benefits of fortified rice, rising consumer demand for healthier food options, and government regulations promoting rice fortification.
    • Forecast the future market size and growth rate, considering anticipated changes in consumer preferences, dietary patterns, and economic conditions.
    • Create a database of existing FRK manufacturers and rice millers and their associations in India.
  • Market Dynamics and Competition
    • Evaluate the competitive landscape of the rice fortification sector, including an analysis of key players, market share, and market concentration.
    • Assess the entry barriers, market entry strategies, and competitive advantages of existing players in the fortified rice kernel manufacturing and fortified rice manufacturing sub-sectors.
    • Identify emerging trends and innovations in the industry, such as new product development, technological advancements, and strategic collaborations.
  • Technological Advancements and Automation
    • Investigate the impact of technological advancements on the rice fortification sector, such as automated production processes, quality control systems, and packaging innovations.
    • Assess the extent of automation and its effect on employment levels and skill requirements in the industry.
    • Identify emerging technologies and their potential to reshape the rice fortification sector, including areas such as product development, process optimization, and supply chain management.
  • Challenges and Opportunities
    • Identify the key challenges faced by the rice fortification sector, such as limited consumer awareness, logistical constraints, quality control issues, and regulatory compliance.
    • Explore the potential opportunities for growth and innovation in the sector, including untapped markets, product diversification, and collaborations with stakeholders in the food industry.

Skill Requirement over a period of 2023-26 in major 5 clusters of India

  • Identify Skill Gaps and Future Skill Requirements:
    • Identify the gaps between the current workforce’s skill sets and the skills required in the future.
    • Analyse the anticipated changes in job roles, technological advancements, industry best practices and food regulatory requirements to determine the future skill requirements.
    • Assess the need for upskilling or reskilling programs to bridge the identified skill gaps and prepare the workforce for future challenges.

Provide Recommendations:

  • Develop strategies for addressing the identified skill gaps, such as training programs, vocational courses, and industry-academia partnerships.
  • Recommend policy initiatives to support the development of a skilled workforce in the rice fortification sector, considering collaboration between relevant stakeholders.
  • Provide recommendations on the development of e-learning programs, learning videos and customized courses to address the skill gaps.

Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan for Fortified Rice Sector

  • Identify and prioritise the top challenges/ problem areas emerging from each component of the project.
  • Develop 3-year action plan outlining the approach to mitigate the skill gap and development of relevant skill sets for the future including effective ways of undertaking skilling activities with public and private sector involvement.

Revised date for submission: 25 October 2023; 05:00 PM

Last date to submit any questions or requests for clarification: 30 September 2023