Government Push for Food Processing Sector in Eastern India
New Delhi/ Patna: In a significant move to boost the food processing sector in Eastern India, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the establishment of the National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Management (NIFTEM) in Bihar during her budget speech on Saturday.
This initiative aligns with the government’s ‘Purvodaya’ mission, which aims to accelerate the development of eastern states, particularly in agriculture and industry.
“In line with our commitment towards ‘Purvodaya’, we will establish a National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Management in Bihar. The institute will provide a strong fillip to food processing activities in the entire Eastern region. This will result in enhanced income for the farmers through value addition to their produce, and skilling, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities for the youth,” said the Finance Minister.
Key Benefits of the Institute
The establishment of NIFTEM in Bihar is expected to bring multiple benefits, including:
- Value Addition to Agricultural Produce: Improving farmers’ income by enhancing processing techniques.
- Skill Development & Training: Offering programs to equip the youth with modern food technology and entrepreneurial skills.
- Employment Generation: Creating jobs in the food processing industry, thereby reducing migration and boosting the local economy.
- Attracting Investments: Encouraging public-private partnerships to develop food clusters and processing units.
Chirag Paswan’s Role and Bihar’s Food Processing Potential
Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan, who hails from Bihar, has been vocal about Bihar’s untapped potential in food processing. His party, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), holds six MPs who support the Narendra Modi government.
Recently, Chirag emphasized that food processing can be a game-changer for Bihar by creating jobs, reducing wastage, and encouraging industrialization. He highlighted the need for modern infrastructure, cold storage facilities, and market linkages to maximize the sector’s growth.
Bihar’s Growing Food Processing Industry
Bihar has a strong agricultural base, producing pulses, fruits, vegetables, and makhana, which have high processing and export potential. The establishment of NIFTEM in the state is expected to:
- Encourage local food startups and MSMEs.
- Facilitate technology transfer and research collaborations.
- Develop Bihar as a food processing hub for Eastern India.
