Keynote address by Union Minister Shri Chirag Paswan at press meet on World Food India 2025

In a recent press meet, Union Minister Shri Chirag Paswan addressed the media regarding the upcoming edition of World Food India, set to take place from 25 to 28 September 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event, which promises to be a milestone in India’s food processing sector, will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Shri Paswan shared insightful perspectives on the government's efforts to reform and strengthen the agricultural and food processing industries, with a special focus on food security, innovation, and international collaboration.

GST Reforms and Economic Impact

Opening his address with a discussion on recent GST reforms, Shri Paswan acknowledged Prime Minister Modi’s decisive actions to ease the tax burden on citizens, particularly during the Diwali season. “The Prime Minister addressed the issue of gifting citizens during Diwali with clarity and responsibility. By revising GST rates, he has shown his commitment to the people of the country,” said Shri Paswan.

Reflecting on his own tenure as Minister, he highlighted the long-standing challenge of rationalizing GST slabs across various sectors, a concern that he said had been repeatedly raised in discussions with industry leaders. “It has been over a year since I assumed charge, and addressing GST clarity has been a primary focus of my ministry. I am pleased to inform you that we are actively working on these matters to provide much-needed certainty to industries,” he added.

He emphasized that the government's efforts to bring clarity to the GST system would have far-reaching impacts, especially as the country enters a phase of significant economic reforms, which are expected to bolster India’s economic system in the coming years.

World Food India 2025: A Platform for Innovation and Growth

Turning his attention to the highly anticipated World Food India 2025, Shri Paswan emphasized the significance of this event as an opportunity to foster innovation, explore technological advancements, and promote the global reach of Indian cuisine. “This year’s edition, which will be inaugurated by our Prime Minister, represents an incredible opportunity for India to engage with the world’s top food industry leaders and explore opportunities in food technology, production, and innovation,” he stated.

World Food India 2025 will feature an array of events, including a CEO Roundtable on the 25th, with discussions led by leading figures in the food and agriculture sectors. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari,  Shri Chirag Paswan, Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, and Shri Ravneet Singh Bittu, Minister of State for Food Processing Industries and Railways will also attend the event. The conference aims to explore ways to elevate Indian cuisine globally, enhance food production techniques, and foster collaboration between startups and established players in the food processing sector.

“The enthusiasm surrounding the event is palpable, particularly regarding the exchange of technologies, innovations, and ideas. We expect to see multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed, further strengthening India’s position in the global food industry,” said Shri Paswan.

He also emphasized that India, despite being one of the world’s top five food producers, has yet to fully harness its potential in food processing. The government is focused on improving food processing capabilities to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance food security not only for India but also for the global community.

Food Security and Sustainable Practices

Food security was a central theme in Shri Paswan’s speech. He stressed the need for India to not only ensure adequate food availability for its own population but also contribute to addressing food shortages globally. “Our goal is to position India as a key player in the global food basket. We have the production capabilities, but we must focus on food processing and value addition,” he said.

Shri Paswan highlighted that post-harvest losses continue to be a major challenge for India, and tackling this issue is critical for strengthening the agricultural ecosystem. Policies aimed at reducing these losses and increasing value addition will benefit farmers and help create a more resilient food system.

He also called for a shift in mindset within the food industry to focus on quality assurance, transparency, and value addition. The growing demand for healthier, ready-to-eat, and ready-to-cook food options, aligned with the fitness and nutrition trends, was also noted. “We are encouraging innovations in healthier alternatives while ensuring transparent labeling, especially regarding sugar content, to protect consumer interests,” said Shri Paswan.

Strengthening Regulatory Framework and Global Partnerships

One of the key components of World Food India 2025 will be showcasing India’s evolving regulatory framework, which is being aligned with global standards. Shri Paswan emphasized the importance of international exchanges on food safety and quality control, which will help India refine its approach and meet the highest international benchmarks.

“The food processing sector has seen remarkable growth in the past decade, and the potential for expansion is immense. This sector holds great promise, and we are committed to ensuring that the products reaching consumers meet all quality parameters,” he noted.

Supporting Startups and MSMEs

The Minister underscored the pivotal role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and startups in propelling innovation across the food processing sector. He noted that World Food India 2025 aims to serve as a powerful platform for building stronger linkages—both within the domestic market and with international partners. Highlighting the government's proactive approach, Shri Paswan spoke of strategic interventions, including targeted subsidies, improved margin management, and dedicated support for startups. These measures, he emphasized, are designed to foster a resilient and growth-oriented food processing ecosystem, empowering smaller enterprises to scale, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to the sector’s expansion.

This year’s edition of World Food India will feature pavilions from several partner countries, showcasing their expertise in food technology and processing. Indian startups will also have the opportunity to highlight their innovations, contributing to the broader goals of the event.

Government Schemes and Future Plans

Shri Paswan concluded by underscoring the importance of key government initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY) and the Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PM-FME) schemes. These initiatives aim to strengthen the entire food processing value chain, from capacity building to fostering innovation. The Minister also expressed optimism about the upcoming third campus of the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM), to be established in Bihar, stating that it will play a crucial role in expanding training, research, and skill development opportunities across the sector.

In closing, the Minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to transparency and reform within the food processing sector. “We are continuously working on strengthening both the agricultural and food processing ecosystems to ensure higher-quality, more resilient food systems for both farmers and consumers,” he said.

With the fourth edition of World Food India on the horizon, India is poised to take significant steps toward enhancing its food processing capabilities, fostering global partnerships, and supporting innovations that will shape the future of food security. The upcoming event will not only be a platform for sharing knowledge and technology but also a testament to India’s growing role in the global food industry.