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Indian food processing sector to focus on R&D to take the sector to next level: Anita Praveen, Secretary, Food Processing, GoI
Apr 05, 2024
NEW DELHI, 05 April 2024: Ms Anita Praveen, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing, Govt of India today said that the Indian agriculture sector is witnessing a robust growth with record levels of production and Food Processing sector has become one of the priority sectors for growth. “We have already reached high levels of growth with the resources we have. There is a need now for the food processing sector with R&D as focus for taking the sector to the next level,” she added.
Addressing the FICCI Scientific Symposium on ‘Processed Foods for Purpose’, the Secretary said that food processing sector is one of the large investment generators particularly for the micro and small sector and has the potential to bring more private investments.
Speaking on the merits of the food processing sector she added that this sector has advantages of high raw materials availability at cheaper price, high consumer demands both in domestic and international markets. “This is the time to give a push to the food processing industry,” emphasized Ms Praveen.
Highlighting the importance of reduction in food wastage, Ms Praveen stated that wastage is an issue where we need to segregate the waste and deal with it at farm level, transit and wastage after the processing is done.
In order to increase exports, the Secretary urged industry to have more direct engagements with the farmers along with the small and micro food processing units. “The time is right to bring these micro units and link them with large industries. The downward linkage approach will be advantageous for large industries to control quality, maintain standards and have a sustained supply chain,” she emphasized.
She further stated that the industry should focus on educating the consumer, and we must adopt a balanced approach to this educational initiative. Consumers must know what they are consuming, and quality food production is the responsibility of the industry, added Ms Praveen.
Mr Siraj Hussain, Advisor, FICCI Food Processing Committee and Former Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries and Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Govt of India said that food processing serves as a critical link between farm and fork. It acts as a catalyst for economic growth, generating employment opportunities and driving innovation across the food sector. “The role of food processing in providing safe, healthy and nutritious food has now taken centre stage,” he added.
Mr Sanjay Khajuria, President, CIFTI-FICCI and Director Corporate Affairs, Nestle India Ltd said that Food Processing sector is considered as a sunrise sector and has achieved notable progress in terms of modernization and sustainable economic growth in recent years.
Dr Seema Bathla, Professor, Centre for the Study of Regional Development, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi said that the Indian agriculture food system has four key elements which include production, consumption, ecology and environment.
Ms Jyoti Vij, Additional Director General, FICCI delivered the vote of thanks.