From fields to forks: India leads food innovation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the fourth edition of World Food India on September 25, an event aimed at boosting investments in the domestic food processing sector and positioning India as a global hub for food innovation.

The four-day mega event, to be held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, will cover 1,00,000 square meters, making it the largest congregation of stakeholders in the food processing industry. Over 21 countries are set to participate, with New Zealand and Saudi Arabia as partner countries, and Japan, Russia, the UAE, and Vietnam designated as focus countries. Around 21 Indian states and union territories, 10 central ministries, five allied government organisations, and more than 1,700 exhibitors will take part in the event.

Russian Federation Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrishev will attend the inaugural session along with Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari, Chirag Paswan, and Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu. Senior officials, including Food Processing Industries Secretary A P Das Joshi, will also be present.

Food Processing Industries Minister Chirag Paswan described World Food India as a transformative platform that goes beyond a trade exhibition. He said the event is expected to attract significant investment commitments, building on the success of previous editions. During the 2023 edition, memoranda of understanding (MoUs) worth ₹33,000 crore were signed, while the 2024 edition placed emphasis on technology transfer agreements.

Paswan highlighted the untapped potential of India’s food processing sector. Although India ranks among the top five global producers of key crops, the country’s food processing levels remain low. This gap contributes to high post-harvest losses, which the government aims to address through increased investment and technological adoption.

He further noted that the growth of food processing will benefit small farmers and rural entrepreneurs by ensuring better price realisation, reducing wastage through improved cold storage and logistics, and opening avenues for value addition. Expansion of processing facilities is also expected to generate rural employment and integrate farmers into domestic and global supply chains.

To address misconceptions about processed foods, the ministry released a booklet titled “Frequently Asked Questions on different concepts of food processing.” Prepared in consultation with industry stakeholders, the booklet seeks to counter misleading narratives that associate processed foods with health risks. It provides science-based information to help consumers make informed choices, thereby encouraging wider acceptance of processed products.

World Food India 2025 is expected to serve as a key platform for investment facilitation, technology adoption, policy dialogue, and consumer awareness, strengthening India’s position in the global food processing landscape.