Food processing industries will play a major role in achieving Viksit Bharat goal: Minister Chirag Paswan.

Chirag Paswan, India’s Minister of Food Processing, emphasised the pivotal role of food processing industries in achieving the nation's vision of “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). Speaking to CNBC-TV18, during his first visit to Davos as a minister, Paswan highlighted the transformative potential of the sector under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.

"This is my first time in Davos, first time as a minister also. I think this comes with a huge responsibility when you represent your country, especially a country like India, which is led by a Prime Minister with such a clear vision about Viksit Bharat. And when we talk about Viksit Bharat, I think in few years we will realise that food processing industries will play a major role in that,” Paswan stated.

He noted the government's strides in building infrastructure and ecosystems to bolster the food processing sector, with initiatives like 41 food parks, nearly 400 cold chain ecosystems, and numerous agro-processing clusters already underway.

"We are not only focusing on tier-I and tier-II cities but ensuring the benefits reach rural areas as well," Paswan stated, underscoring the sector's significance in supporting farmers and minimising post-harvest losses. With a clear roadmap and targeted initiatives, he envisions the food processing industry as a cornerstone of India's journey toward becoming a developed nation.