The Indian government has set its sights on strengthening the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in the food processing industry. Officials disclosed this ambitious agenda at a recent conference hosted by the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM).
Emphasizing the manifold benefits, authorities highlighted the potential to elevate efficiency levels, bolster farmer livelihoods, and mitigate environmental footprints. This strategic move aligns with India’s broader objective of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
During the conference, there was a unanimous call for the development and implementation of a comprehensive roadmap to harness AI tools effectively. The endorsement from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) Secretary underscores the government’s commitment to this transformative endeavour.
MEITY Secretary S. Krishnan advocated for wider adoption of AI, noting its existing applications in agriculture and underscoring the untapped potential within the food processing domain.
Speaking on the imperative of efficient food processing, NITI Aayog member Ramesh Chand emphasized the concept of “climate-smart” practices. Chand advocated for leveraging AI to create portable devices for quality assessment of agricultural produce, thereby enhancing consumer satisfaction and supporting farmer incomes while addressing environmental concerns.
The discourse at the conference underscores a collective push towards leveraging cutting-edge technologies to reshape India’s food processing landscape, heralding a new era of innovation and sustainability in the sector.