India’s push to modernise its food processing sector will gain global visibility as the [“National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management”,”kundli haryana india”] (NIFTEM-K) hosts the International Conference on Advanced Next Generation Vision for Emerging and Sustainable Healthy Foods (ANVESH–2026) from February 26–28, 2026. Organised under the aegis of the [“Ministry of Food Processing Industries”,”india government ministry”] (MoFPI), the conference aims to position India at the forefront of innovation in sustainable and healthy food systems.
Why ANVESH–2026 Matters
ANVESH–2026 will convene experts, researchers, industry leaders and policymakers from over 25 countries. With more than 1,000 delegates and 50 exhibitors expected, the event seeks to foster dialogue on emerging trends such as alternative proteins, nutraceuticals, food safety, digital traceability and circular economy approaches.
The conference reflects the government’s strategic focus on expanding food processing as a driver of rural prosperity and agri-value addition.
Food Processing: A Sector in Transition
India currently processes only 12–13% of its agricultural produce, despite being one of the world’s largest producers of cereals, fruits and vegetables. The government has set a target to increase this to 25% within five years.
Over the past four to five years, approximately ₹15,000 crore has been invested in the sector. Though largely unorganised, food processing in India has grown at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of about 7% over the past decade. Processed food exports have doubled in the same period.
The expansion of the sector aligns with broader goals such as doubling farmers’ income and strengthening rural supply chains.
Reducing Post-Harvest Losses and Value Addition
Post-harvest losses in India are estimated at nearly ₹1.10 lakh crore annually. Modern food processing technologies — including cold chains, scientific packaging and preservation systems — are essential to address these losses.
The conference highlights the growing emphasis on:
- Advanced food packaging to extend shelf life.
- Traceability and digital compliance systems.
- Waste management and circular economy models.
- Agri-food entrepreneurship and MSME participation.
The concept of “Food as Medicine” also features prominently, reflecting global trends toward functional foods and nutraceutical innovation.
Global Academic and Institutional Participation
ANVESH–2026 will witness participation from globally reputed institutions such as:
- [“CGIAR”,”global agricultural research partnership”]
- [“McGill University”,”canada university”]
- [“Wageningen University & Research”,”netherlands university”]
- [“Volcani Institute”,”israel agricultural research institute”]
- [“The University of Queensland”,”australia university”]
The event will also include plenary sessions, keynote lectures, roundtables, exhibitions, and live demonstrations, facilitating knowledge exchange across the entire food value chain.
Policy and Governance Context
Established in 1988, MoFPI has played a central role in promoting food parks, cold chains, and micro-enterprises. Schemes such as PMFME (Prime Minister Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises) aim to formalise and scale small units.
The conference underscores the link between:
- Agri-value chain integration.
- Export competitiveness.
- Nutrition security.
- Climate-resilient food systems.
As global food systems face climate shocks, supply disruptions and health challenges, innovation in processing and packaging becomes critical for resilience.
What to Note for Prelims?
- ANVESH–2026 organised by NIFTEM-K under MoFPI.
- India currently processes about 12–13% of agricultural produce.
- Target: 25% processing within five years.
- ₹15,000 crore invested in food processing in recent years.
- Post-harvest losses estimated at ₹1.10 lakh crore annually.
What to Note for Mains?
- Discuss the role of food processing in doubling farmers’ income.
- Examine how value addition can reduce post-harvest losses in India.
- Analyse the importance of sustainable and resilient food systems in the context of climate change.
- Evaluate the contribution of MSMEs and startups in strengthening India’s agri-food value chain.
