Food processing capacity: India plans to double to 24–26% in 6–7 years, officials say

The Centre is planning to raise India’s food processing capacity to about double within six to seven years. The current level is around 12 to 13 per cent of agro output. A senior official said the move could expand jobs and support higher farm incomes as more produce gets processed.

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Secretary in the Ministry of Food Processing Industries Avinash Joshi shared the target while speaking at a press conference. Joshi linked the plan with faster sector growth. Joshi also explained what the timeline could mean for output growth and the scale of added processing work.

Food processing capacity target and timeline

Joshi said: "Today we process around 12 to 13 per cent of our agro products, and we are targeting that in the next six to seven years, we are going to double that. What does that mean? That means till now, whatever we have done in the last 80 years, the same thing will replicate in the next 6 or 7 years, the Secretary said.\"

Joshi said the planned jump in processing capacity is expected to create many jobs. Joshi also said the shift can add value across supply chains. Joshi noted that higher processing can help farmers earn more. Joshi linked this to better use of fruits, vegetables, and other farm produce.

NIFTEM-Kundli food processing capacity and global comparisons

Harinder Singh Oberoi, Director at NIFTEM-Kundli, said: We are the second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables, and among that, we are the largest producer of mango. In processing, we are a little behind many countries, including Thailand, Mexico and the Philippines; they are far ahead of us as far as processing levels are concerned.

Oberoi spoke on the sidelines of an event announcement at NIFTEM, Kundli. The event is titled Advanced Next Generation Vision for Emerging and Sustainable Healthy Foods ANVESH. It is scheduled from February 26-28. NIFTEM is a food technology institution under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries.

International show at NIFTEM Kundli and food processing capacity focus

Joshi told reporters that an international show at NIFTEM Kundli is set as a large conference. Joshi said it will bring 33 speakers from 25 countries. Joshi also said 61 exhibitors are expected at the exhibition held alongside the show. The programme links research, policy, and processing expansion plans.

The officials linked the processing target with long-term sector growth and stronger market options. The ANVESH event at NIFTEM, Kundli is scheduled for February 26-28. The ministry expects the international conference and exhibition to add wider engagement. The stated aim remains to lift processing from 12-13 per cent to double within 6-7 years.

With inputs from PTI