India's Food Processing Sector Holds Untapped Potential, Says Minister Chirag Paswan
Food Processing Minister Chirag Paswan stated on Friday that India possesses the volume to bolster food security for numerous nations, yet the complete potential of the food processing industry remains largely untapped. He underscored the critical necessity to extend this sector deeper into rural India to unlock its capabilities.
Focus on Value Addition and Rural Expansion
Paswan highlighted that while India has substantial volume in the food processing industry, there is now an urgent need to shift focus toward value addition. He identified key challenges, including strengthening farmers financially, which can only be achieved when they possess the holding capacity to sell their produce at favorable prices.
The minister explained that this financial empowerment can materialize through enhancing the shelf life of farm produce via value addition. He stressed the importance of establishing more food processing units in proximity to agricultural production hubs to facilitate this process.
Addressing Wastage and Global Positioning
Paswan also pointed out the pressing need to tackle wastage, particularly of perishable products, which hampers efficiency. He noted that several government interventions over the past decade will aid India in positioning itself as a global food basket, leveraging its agricultural strengths.
Economic Resilience and Growth Story
On India's economic trajectory, Paswan remarked that a decade of structural reforms under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has fortified the country's economic resilience. Even amid global uncertainties, India continues to be the fastest-growing major economy, he affirmed.
He added that the nation's next significant leap will be driven not just by scale but by value creation, especially in agriculture and allied sectors. "Our agriculture sector is transitioning from subsistence to value creation," Paswan stated, emphasizing a renewed focus on animal husbandry, fisheries, and food processing.
Assurance on India-US Deal and Farmer Interests
Regarding the India-US deal, Paswan assured that the interests of farmers will never be compromised. This reassurance came in response to opposition questions labeling the deal as 'anti-farmer.'
"India is one of the fastest-growing economies. That means we are doing something right. Our policies are often challenged, but we are allaying every fear," Paswan concluded, reinforcing the government's commitment to balanced growth and farmer welfare.
