New Delhi | March 24, 2026: Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, Shri Chirag Paswan, inaugurated a landmark National Conference titled ‘Eco-Inclusive Packaging in Food Processing: Bridging Sustainability, Gender and Innovation’ today at Jamia Millia Islamia’s (JMI) Ansari Auditorium.
The event, organized by JMI’s Centre for the Study of Social Inclusion (CSSI) in partnership with the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) and the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL), drew over 300 NGOs and experts from across the country to discuss the future of sustainable food systems.
A Vision for “Viksit Bharat 2047”
In a spirited inaugural address, Shri Paswan emphasized that the food processing sector is the backbone of India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation.
- From Volume to Value: While the Green Revolution secured India’s food surplus, the Minister noted that the current mission is to “convert volume into value” through high-quality processing.
- The Global Dining Table: Echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of India as the “global food basket,” Paswan set a bold target: “At least one ‘Made in India’ food item should be served on every dining table across the world.”
- Quality is Non-Negotiable: He cautioned that a single rejected consignment at international ports could damage the national brand, urging the industry to ensure that “Indian-made” becomes a global gold standard for quality.
Empowering Youth and Entrepreneurs
The Minister highlighted the “unprecedented” attention and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) the sector has received over the last 11 years. He specifically called upon the students of JMI to transition from job seekers to industry leaders.
“The youth will realize the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. My ministry will provide the necessary hand-holding through schemes like PMFME under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan to help micro-entrepreneurs scale into global leaders.” — Shri Chirag Paswan
Commitment to Sustainability
Addressing environmental concerns, the Minister stressed the urgency of reducing food wastage and adopting eco-friendly packaging. He reminded the audience of our collective duty to “return Mother Earth to future generations in the same condition we inherited it.”
Academic and Institutional Support
Prof. Mazhar Asif, Vice Chancellor of JMI, lauded the Minister’s leadership and emphasized that research institutions must bridge the gap between innovation and the grassroots. He highlighted the untapped potential of regional produce like bamboo shoots and jackfruit, which require technical know-how to reach global markets.
Prof. Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi, Registrar of JMI, noted the ministry’s role in redefining India’s nutrition ecosystem, citing the Minister’s “rootedness and vision” as a catalyst for the sector’s recent impressive growth.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The inaugural session featured a ceremonial Guard of Honour by NCC cadets and was attended by:
- Dr. Abha Rani Singh (IRS): CMD, National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation.
- Dr. M. J. Khan: Chairman Emeritus, Indian Chamber of Food and Agriculture.
- Prof. Tanuja: Dean Academic Affairs and Officiating Director, CSSI.
The conference will continue through three technical sessions focusing on the intersection of gender, environmental responsibility, and technological innovation in the food supply chain.
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