Infinite possibilities in food-processing sector, start-ups can play a big role, says Chirag Paswan

The minister highlighted an urgent need to improve food storage capacity, mainly of perishables, in the country so that extra produce is not wasted, rather used for exporting or later consumption.

The food-processing sector offers “infinite possibilities” that are waiting to be explored and start-ups can play a major role in it, union minister Chirag Paswan has said.

“To make India Viksit Bharat, there is one prominent sector that can play a big role – food processing,” the food-processing industries minister said on April 25 at SUFALAM 2025 organised at the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) in Kundli.

Paswan urged start-ups to come up with innovative ideas and improve the sector’s gross value added (GVA) share in the country’s economy.

The food-processing sector contributes to about 10 percent to farm GVA, which is around 17-18 percent of the overall GVA.

“How can we increase longevity of perishable food items, how can we reduce post-harvest losses, and improve our packaging and marketing of processed foods are some areas where start-ups can contribute,” the minister said.

He also stressed on the urgent need to improve storage capacity, mainly of perishables, to curb wastage and use the surplus for exports or later consumption.

The food-processing sector has the potential to sharply increase the per capita income of farmers, which is needed to make India a developed nation by 2047.

A NIFTEM would soon be set up in Bihar, which would further help in bringing innovation to the sector, Paswan, who is a member of the Lok Sabha from the state’s Hajipur, said. Bihar is due for assembly elections later this year.

“Start-ups have become a social culture, which nobody can stop… As a minister of FPI, I will do all that is needed to help you all to achieve your vision,” Paswan said.