India’s food processing industry should extend beyond national borders to fulfill Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a global food supplier, Union Minister Chirag Paswan stated on Thursday. He was speaking at the third convocation ceremony of the National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Management (NIFTEM) in Thanjavur.
Highlighting India’s young demographic dividend and the rapid expansion of the food processing sector, Paswan announced the establishment of a new NIFTEM, as outlined in the Union Budget 2025-26. “The food processing sector is growing at an unprecedented pace, and the Union government is committed to supporting its evolving needs,” he said.
“Imagine a world where every dining table has at least one product made in India,” Paswan remarked, emphasizing the country’s global potential.
The minister cited key government initiatives, including the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana, and the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises scheme, as pillars strengthening the sector.
Paswan acknowledged the role of NIFTEM-T, situated in the fertile Cauvery delta belt, in supporting national food industry growth. He also inaugurated newly renovated campus facilities, including a food business incubation center, and announced that the 31st Indian Convention of Food Scientists & Technologists (ICFoST) will be hosted at NIFTEM-T.
During the event, R S Sodhi, chairperson of the governing board of NIFTEM-T, conferred postgraduate degrees, while director V Palanimuthu awarded undergraduate degrees. Paswan also honored outstanding student achievers with medals, underscoring the institution’s contribution to the industry’s future.