New Delhi ,19 June :
At a media briefing for the third edition of World Food India, scheduled for September 19-22, Union Food Processing Industries Minister Chirag Paswan addressed concerns regarding investments in the food processing sector from the previous two editions. Paswan emphasized that the government will refrain from sharing exaggerated investment figures at this year’s event until they are fully verified and materialized.
In response to a PTI query about the status of investments from past editions and potential tightening of MoU conditions, Paswan explained that there is a gestation period for the implementation of promised investments. He assured that future investment discussions will focus on those that have been grounded. Paswan also launched a mobile app and website for the third edition, reiterating the commitment to only provide verified investment figures.
This was Paswan’s first media briefing since taking charge as a union minister in the BJP-led NDA government’s third term. Official data shows that the first edition in 2017 attracted USD 11.25 billion in investments, while the second edition in 2023 saw USD 3.98 billion.
Highlighting the untapped potential of India’s food processing sector, Paswan noted that World Food India serves as an international platform to showcase the country’s strengths and facilitate the exchange of ideas, innovation, technology, and investments. He stressed the importance of setting up processing units near farm gates to benefit the farming community and reduce post-harvest losses.
Minister of State for Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh Bittu, Food Processing Industries Secretary Anita Praveen, and other senior officials were also present at the event. Paswan emphasized that realizing the full potential of the food processing sector is crucial for achieving the Prime Minister’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (developed nation) by 2047.
