The Union Minister says that this trend is harmful to the industry’s development and calls for a collective effort to counter the narrative
Raising alarm over social media influencers allegedly circulating misleading claims about processed foods, Union Food Processing Industries Minister Chirag Paswan said that this trend is harmful to the industry’s development. He called for a collective effort to counter the narrative.
“We are facing this challenge not only in our country, but also globally as well. The kind of false narrative through the influencers on processed food. Processed food means not good- such narrative is being set. I do not know the intention behind it, but this is being done,” he stated.
Addressing the inaugural session of Anvesh 2026, the minister emphasised that for a nation of 1.4 billion people, technology-driven development is imperative. Innovations, research and modern technologies must be taken to rural areas and farmers to bridge the gap between villages and cities.
Highlighting changing consumer lifestyles, the minister noted the growing demand for ready-to-eat (RTE) and ready-to-cook products, which are integral to the expansion of the food processing sector. While India has significant production volume, he stressed the need to focus on value addition. He recalled that 11 years ago, 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) was permitted in trading, including ecommerce, of food products manufactured or produced in India to boost value addition, enhance farmers’ income and position India as a global food basket.
He further stated that the goal should be to ensure that Indian food products are present on every dining table across the world. There can be no compromise on quality and regulatory standards if Indian standards are to gain global recognition. He added that India has signed Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with 23 countries while safeguarding farmers’ interests and called for dispelling false narratives surrounding the food processing sector.
Avinash Joshi, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, informed that out of the total outlay of Rs 10,900 crore under the production-linked incentive scheme for food processing, Rs 2,625.04 crore has been released so far, which constitutes approximately 24 per cent of the total allocation.
Against the targeted employment generation of 2.5 lakh under the scheme, 3.29 lakh jobs have already been created, achieving 131 per cent of the target and reflecting the scheme’s significant success.
