On 9 June 2026, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) and the World Bank-led SAPLING initiative inaugurated a Regional High-Level Policy Dialogue in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The forum aimed to advance food processing across South Asia to drive employment, reduce post-harvest losses, and foster sustainable economic growth.
Key Discussion Outcomes and Growth Metrics
- Sectoral Growth: India’s food processing level increased from 10% in 2016 to 17% in 2023, reflecting a shift toward value addition. However, this remains significantly below global benchmarks (60–70%).
- Strategic Focus: The dialogue emphasized scaling up integrated cold chains, Mega Food Parks, and decentralized processing centers near farm gates to target perishable commodities like horticulture, dairy, marine, and poultry.
- Regional Roadmap: Goals include harmonizing phytosanitary regulations, automating supply chain logistics via IoT, and formalizing micro-agro-processing enterprises through tailored credit models.
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- SAPLING & AgriConnect: A World Bank-led framework focused on building resilient, nutrition-focused food systems and integrating smallholder farmers into markets.
- PMKSY: The Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana is an umbrella scheme by MoFPI for modern infrastructure, including Mega Food Parks and Integrated Cold Chains.
- PMFME Scheme: Launched under Atmanirbhar Bharat, it supports micro food processing enterprises using the One District One Product (ODOP) approach.
- FDI Policy: India permits 100% FDI under the automatic route in food processing industries.
- MoFPI: The nodal central ministry responsible for the development and regulation of the food processing sector in India.