Chirag Paswan, Union Minister, speaks at a press conference after being named as the Minister of Food Processing Industries in New Delhi on July 11, 2024.
Union Minister Chirag Paswan said on Wednesday that his government will keep mum about unverified and yet to be implemented exaggerated figures concerning investments during this year’s edition of World Food India until they are fully verified and materialized on the ground.
At the curtain raiser media briefing for World Food India’s third edition slated for September 19-22 in New Delhi, where he spoke to journalists, the Minister of State for Food Processing Industries sought to allay concerns over investments made in food processing sector during the last two editions.
The PTI had asked whether or not any changes were expected regarding MoU conditions and also if there were any reports about previous commitments. To this Mr. Chirag said “An MoU is where promises are made with regard to investments; it however takes some time before implementation can begin. After that only do we learn what has been grounded. So from now onwards while talking about investment we will mention those investments which have been grounded.”
Mr. Paswan also launched the mobile app and website of the third edition saying at its launch that, “We don’t have any big numbers of investment put before you people while they have not been grounded”. According to him “Myself including my entire team and ministry are very clear we want not bombastic figures rather we want real data otherwise why did I fail to read out any figure unless it is fully checked and authenticated.” This was Mr Paswan’s first media interaction after becoming a cabinet minister in his third term under NDA led by BJP party.
According to official records, $11.25 billion was invested by Government during the first edition held in 2017 while $3.98 billion was invested for second edition that took place in 2023.
Mr. Paswan highlighted that the Indian food processing sector is largely untapped and World Food India offers a global platform to showcase India’s prowess and exchange ideas, innovation, technology and investments.
“It is not even 10% of the potential of this sector; it shall be a role player for achieving “Viksit Bharat” (developed nation) by 2047,” he said.
He emphasized the need to put up processing units close to farm gates so as to provide better returns to farmers and reduce post-harvest losses.
Food Processing Industries Secretary Anita Praveen, Minister of State for Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh Bittu together with other senior officials were also present.
