Food processing key to reducing post-harvest losses: Chirag Paswan
Shillong, April 10: Various initiatives of food processing sector, including ongoing reforms and policy initiatives of Food Processing Industries Ministry, were reviewed during a Parliamentary Consultative Committee meeting held in Shillong on Friday.
Addressing the meeting, Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan emphasized the critical role of food processing in reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing value addition in agri produces.
Paswan highlighted the need to address existing challenges in the sector, including infrastructure gaps, access to finance, and technological constraints.
The minister also underscored the importance of inter-ministerial coordination to facilitate ease of doing business, and praised the government’s initiatives on rationalisation of GST, streamlining of food safety regulations, and convergence of efforts across departments.
During the Parliamentary Consultative Committee meeting, a comprehensive review of the food processing sector was undertaken, including ongoing reforms and policy initiatives of the Ministry.
A detailed presentation was made on the reforms implemented and proposed by MoFPI, followed by interventions and suggestions from Members of the Committee on strengthening the sector and improving its outreach and impact.
Another meeting of the NIFTEM Council, held on the occasion, deliberated on key institutional and policy matters relating to capacity building, research, and strengthening of the food processing ecosystem in the country.
Members discussed ways to align institutional frameworks with industry requirements and emerging opportunities in the sector.
