Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the fourth edition of World Food India on September 25, a flagship event designed to draw substantial investments into India's food processing sector and establish the country as a leading centre for global food innovation and sustainability.
Hosted at Bharat Mandapam in the capital, the four-day conclave from September 25 to 28 will feature high-profile attendees, including Russian Federation Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev, alongside Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari (Road Transport and Highways), Chirag Paswan (Food Processing Industries), and Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu. The initiative underscores the government's push to modernise agriculture and reduce post-harvest losses amid India's status as a top global producer of crops like fruits, vegetables, and grains.
Food Processing Industries Minister Chirag Paswan described the event as "not merely a trade show, but a transformative platform" for fostering investment, technology transfer, and sustainable practices. Building on prior successes—such as Rs 33,000 crore in Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed during the 2023 edition and a focus on tech agreements in 2024—the government anticipates a marked increase in commitments this year.
Paswan highlighted the sector's untapped potential, noting that despite India's production prowess, processing levels hover below 10% for perishables, leading to significant wastage estimated at 20-30% annually. "There is concern about post-harvest losses, which can be addressed through processing," he emphasised, urging stakeholders to bridge the gap between farm and market.
To counter widespread myths about processed foods, the ministry unveiled a booklet titled "Frequently Asked Questions on Different Concepts of Food Processing", developed with industry input. The resource offers science-backed clarifications on concerns like weight gain and health risks propagated via misleading ads and social media, empowering consumers with evidence-based guidance.
Spanning 100,000 square metres, the 2025 edition will be the largest gathering of its kind, involving over 1,700 exhibitors from 21 Indian states and union territories, 10 central ministries, and five allied organisations. International participation includes delegations from more than 21 countries, with New Zealand and Saudi Arabia as partner nations and Japan, Russia, the UAE, and Vietnam as focus countries.
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The event aligns with broader national goals under initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat, aiming to create jobs, enhance farmer incomes, and export competitiveness in a sector projected to reach USD 535 billion by 2025-26. Food Processing Industries Secretary A.P. Das Joshi and senior officials joined Paswan at the media briefing, signalling strong governmental backing.
As global food security challenges intensify, World Food India positions India to lead in innovative, resilient supply chains, potentially unlocking billions in foreign direct investment.
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