The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) held a series of high-level meetings in Shillong, including the Parliamentary Consultative Committee meeting followed by the NIFTEM Council meeting, to review ongoing reforms and future strategies for the food processing sector in India.
The meetings were chaired by Union Minister Chirag Paswan and attended by senior officials, Members of Parliament, and key stakeholders from the industry.
High-Level Review of Food Processing Sector Reforms
During the Parliamentary Consultative Committee meeting, the ministry conducted a comprehensive review of the food processing ecosystem, focusing on:
- Ongoing policy reforms
- Implementation of government initiatives
- Expansion of sectoral outreach and impact
A detailed presentation was also made highlighting both implemented and proposed reforms aimed at strengthening the industry.
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NIFTEM Council Discusses Capacity Building and Research
The subsequent NIFTEM Council meeting focused on institutional development and research-driven growth. Key discussion points included:
- Strengthening capacity building programs
- Enhancing research and innovation in food processing
- Aligning academic and institutional frameworks with industry needs
- Exploring emerging opportunities in the sector
The discussions emphasized improving collaboration between academia, industry, and government institutions.
Focus on Reducing Post-Harvest Losses and Value Addition
Addressing the meetings, Minister Chirag Paswan highlighted the critical role of food processing in:
- Reducing post-harvest losses
- Increasing value addition in agricultural produce
- Improving farmer income and supply chain efficiency
He also stressed the need to address key challenges such as infrastructure gaps, limited access to finance, and technological constraints.
Government Push for Ease of Doing Business
The Minister underlined the importance of inter-ministerial coordination to improve ease of doing business in the sector. He appreciated recent government efforts, including:
- Rationalisation of GST structure
- Streamlining of food safety regulations
- Convergence of multiple departmental initiatives
These steps are aimed at creating a more business-friendly environment for the food processing industry.
Promoting Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Food Processing
The discussions reflected a strong commitment to:
- Encouraging innovation in food processing technologies
- Promoting entrepreneurship in the sector
- Strengthening India’s global competitiveness
The Ministry also emphasized the importance of building a positive perception of processed food among consumers.
Vision for Global Leadership in Food Processing
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries reaffirmed its long-term vision to position India as a global leader in the food processing sector.
This will be achieved through:
- Strong policy support
- Institutional strengthening
- Collaborative public-private partnerships
- Sustainable and inclusive growth strategies
The meetings in Shillong concluded with a shared commitment from policymakers and stakeholders to accelerate sectoral growth and ensure greater benefits for farmers, industry players, and consumers across India.
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