Bihar emerges as a food processing powerhouse: Shri Chirag Paswan highlights unprecedented opportunities for investors

At the recently concluded World Food India 2025, the Knowledge Session on “Opportunities in the Food Processing Sector in Bihar,” held as part of the state’s promotion as the Focus State, served as a strong call to action for investors, stakeholders, and entrepreneurs across India. Shri Chirag Paswan, Hon’ble Minister of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, delivered the keynote address. The session was attended by prominent figures including Shri Mihir Kumar Singh (Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Industries), Shri B. Kartikey (Secretary, Department of Industries), Shri Kundan Kumar (Resident Commissioner), Shri Ajay Singh (CMD, Bharat Plus Ethanol Pvt. Ltd.), Shri Paritosh Ladhani (JMD, SLMG Beverages Pvt. Ltd.), and Shri Abhishek Kumar (MD, Lavanya Foods).

Bihar First, Bihari First: A vision rooted in pride and possibility

Opening his address, Shri Chirag Paswan reiterated his long-standing commitment to the ideology of “Bihar First, Bihari First.” As a proud son of the soil, he emphasized that Bihar is a land full of possibilities, waiting to be unlocked with the right intent and investment.

“There are infinite possibilities in Bihar,” he said. “If explored with sincerity and a progressive mindset, Bihar can become the number one state in the country.”

Reclaiming Bihar’s legacy: A historical perspective

The Minister reflected on Bihar’s rich history as a center of learning, culture, and wisdom, emphasizing the legacy of the land of Gautam Buddha, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Lord Mahavir, Sita Mata, and celebrated scholars like Charaka and Aryabhata. He highlighted that Bihar has long been a shining example of education, knowledge, and enlightenment—home to Nalanda University, one of the world’s earliest residential universities.

He noted, "The land of Bihar is blessed. It has always been a land of wisdom and prosperity. If given the right opportunity, nothing can stop Bihar from becoming India’s leading state.”

From perception to possibility: Changing the narrative

Highlighting the challenge of perception, the minister acknowledged that Bihar has long battled a negative image that has deterred investment. “There has been a struggle of perception,” he said. “People often judge Bihar without experiencing its transformation.”

However, he assured the audience that this perception is outdated. Bihar has evolved, particularly in the last decade, and is now ripe with opportunities. Shri Paswan cited examples of CEOs, civil servants, and professionals across India who trace their roots to Bihar, demonstrating that talent from the state continues to shine globally.

Food Processing: A sector of promise

As the Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Shri Chirag Paswan expressed his unwavering belief in the potential of the food processing sector, especially in Bihar. With rich agricultural output, including Hajipur's bananas, Muzaffarpur's litchis, and Mithila’s makhana, the state has everything needed for a robust food processing industry.

Over 85% of India's makhana is produced in Bihar, making it a global hub for this nutritious crop. "Imagine the scale we can achieve if we build processing units, storage infrastructure, and packaging facilities right here," said the minister.

Government backing and double-engine growth

A major theme in Shri Paswan's address was the importance of a "double-engine government"—a political alliance at both the state and central levels—bringing policy continuity, stability, and ease of governance.

He shared that the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has visited Bihar 11 times in the last 18 months, underscoring the Centre’s commitment to the state's development. “This shows that Bihar is a national priority,” he said.

He credited the combined leadership of the Prime Minister and Bihar Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar for ensuring rapid infrastructure development, policy reforms, and investor-friendly initiatives.

Infrastructure and Logistics: The foundation for growth

Connectivity and logistics are essential to the success of any industrial sector. Shri Paswan highlighted the state's massive strides in infrastructure—from new expressways and national highways to rural road development and better rail connectivity.

He cited a personal example of travelling from Patna to Purnia—once a daunting journey—which now takes just over five hours by road. “This was unimaginable a few years ago,” he remarked.

Ease of doing business: Reforms and Policies

Bihar has implemented key reforms to attract industry:

• Single-window clearance system

• Investor facilitation cells

• Proactive state policies for food processing and industrial growth

• PMFME and PMKSY schemes actively supporting entrepreneurs

The minister proudly shared that under the PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme, 25,500 units have been supported in Bihar, with a total project cost of ₹1,765 crore, creating over 78,000 jobs.

Under PMKSY, 15 major projects with an outlay of over ₹750 crore have been approved in Bihar.

Massive investment commitments: A future built on confidence

Shri Paswan shared that under his ministry, over ₹1 lakh crore worth of MoUs have recently been signed at World Food India expo in the food processing sector, with a significant chunk earmarked for Bihar. Of this, ₹4,000 crore has been committed by SLMG Beverages alone.

Several entrepreneurs who have already invested in Bihar were present at the session, including Shri Ajay Singh of Bharat Plus Ethanol Pvt. Ltd., and Shri Paritosh Ladhani of SLMG Beverages Pvt. Ltd.

“They are proof that Bihar offers a fertile ground for investment,” said the Minister, adding that Lavanya Foods and other companies have successfully set up operations, benefiting from state support and a conducive business environment.

 NIFTEM in Bihar

A major announcement was the opening of the third National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Management (NIFTEM) in Bihar, following those in Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu) and Kundli (Haryana). This institution will serve as a center for excellence in food processing education and research, helping Bihar’s youth gain access to technical and managerial training in this promising sector.

Come, Invest in Bihar

In his concluding remarks, Shri Chirag Paswan made a heartfelt appeal to industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors:

“This is the perfect time to invest in Bihar. You will not only see good returns but also take pride in contributing to a land that is already so blessed. My ministry is fully dedicated to supporting you. The next five years will be Bihar’s golden era. The foundation has been laid. Now, we need investors like you to build on it. Bihar is not just a part of the past; it is the future of India’s food processing industry. Come, invest, and grow with Bihar. You will be proud that you chose a land already blessed with history, heritage, and now, opportunity.”

He assured that every investor would receive complete handholding, policy support, and administrative facilitation.

Additional Highlights from the Knowledge Session

Prior to the Minister's keynote, Shri Mihir Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Industries, presented a compelling overview of Bihar’s industrial landscape. He highlighted:

• Rapid infrastructure development

• Access to raw materials

• Proactive policy initiatives

• A youthful demographic advantage

Together, these factors make Bihar an ideal destination for investment—especially in the food processing sector.

The Knowledge Session was not just a forum—it was a movement. One that invites the world to see Bihar not just through the lens of its past challenges, but through the vision of its boundless potential. As the Hon’ble Minister put it:

“Come to Bihar, invest in Bihar—and be part of a journey where tradition meets transformation.”