Indian Food Processing Sector Poised for Growth, Emphasizes Ministry Official at FICCI Symposium

Apr 08, 2024: At the FICCI Scientific Symposium on ‘Processed Foods for Purpose,’ the Ministry of Food Processing emphasized the significant strides made by the Indian agriculture sector and underscored the food processing industry’s emergence as a key growth driver. The Ministry stressed the imperative of prioritizing research and development (R&D) initiatives to unlock the sector’s full potential.

Key Points Highlighted:

Robust Growth Trajectory: The Ministry highlighted the robust growth trajectory of the Indian agriculture sector, accompanied by record levels of production. It emphasized that the food processing industry has emerged as a priority sector for driving economic expansion and enhancing value addition to agricultural produce.

Focus on R&D: Acknowledging the achievements attained with existing resources, the Ministry stressed the need for intensifying efforts in research and development to unlock the sector’s full potential. R&D was underscored as a critical focus area for advancing innovation, enhancing product quality, and fostering sustainable growth in the food processing industry.

Investment Opportunities: The Ministry underscored the food processing sector’s role as a significant generator of investments, particularly for micro and small enterprises. It highlighted the sector’s potential to attract private investments and emphasized the need for concerted efforts to harness this potential effectively.

Addressing Food Wastage: Highlighting the issue of food wastage, the Ministry emphasized the importance of implementing measures to reduce wastage at various stages, including farm level, transit, and post-processing. It emphasized the need for concerted efforts to address this challenge and optimize resource utilization in the food processing value chain.

Mr. Siraj Hussain, Advisor to FICCI Food Processing Committee and Former Secretary of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries and Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, underscored the pivotal role of food processing in bridging the gap between farm and fork. He emphasized its significance in driving economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and fostering innovation across the food sector.

The Ministry’s remarks underscore the critical importance of the food processing sector in India’s economic landscape. With a focus on research and development, investment promotion, and waste reduction initiatives, the sector is poised for sustained growth and transformation, contributing significantly to food security, economic prosperity, and innovation-driven development.