Food processing industry and nutrition security goals

Union minister of food processing Industries Chirag Paswan emphasized the need for a clear and long-term roadmap for India’s food processing and nutraceutical sectors, stating that the industry must align itself with the national vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

Addressing Assocham’s ‘NutriBharat 2026: National Conference on the Role of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods in Strengthening Nutrition Security,’ the minister called on stakeholders to set clear milestones for the next one year, five years, and ten years, while working collaboratively with policymakers and regulators to unlock the sector’s full potential.

“India has successfully moved from food scarcity to security. The next frontier is nutrition security, ensuring that our future generations are healthy and free from malnutrition,” Paswan said. He noted that the industry will play a crucial role in delivering safe, nutritious, and high-quality food products to consumers and in strengthening India’s nutrition ecosystem.

Highlighting the importance of global standards and quality assurance, the minister cautioned that even a single rejected consignment at an international port could damage India’s reputation built over decades. He urged industry players to ensure that quality is never compromised, while also promoting innovation, responsible manufacturing practices, and stronger collaboration between industry, regulators, and research institutions.

Paswan said India has the potential to emerge as a “global food basket,” supported by its strong agricultural base, expanding processing capacity, and growing global trade partnerships. However, he emphasized that realizing this vision would require collective responsibility, innovation, and a strong commitment to quality and consumer trust.

Other speakers at the conference also emphasized the importance of transitioning from food security to nutrition security and strengthening India’s food ecosystem through collaboration and innovation. Nirmal K. Minda, president of Assocham, highlighted the need to address micronutrient deficiencies and lifestyle-related health concerns through stronger industry collaboration and policy alignment.

Takayuki Hagiwara, FAO Representative in India, stressed the growing global role of nutraceuticals in bridging nutritional gaps and called for reliable and innovative agri-food systems. Vivek Chandra, chairman of Assocham’s Food Processing & Value Addition Council, emphasized India’s potential as a globally competitive hub for processed foods aligned with national nutrition priorities.

Alka Rao, advisor (science & standards & regulations) at FSSAI, underscored the importance of science-based regulations and ongoing efforts to develop frameworks for nutraceuticals and functional foods aligned with global standards.

Vikram Kelkar, co-chairman of the Council and managing director of Hexagon Nutrition, highlighted India’s strong potential to become a global leader in nutraceuticals by leveraging its food processing ecosystem, traditional knowledge systems such as Ayurveda, and growing research capabilities.

Amit Vatsyayan, partner and social sector Leader at EY India, stressed the need for a science-driven, agriculture-linked nutrition ecosystem supported by digital traceability, strong standards, and farmer partnerships to build globally trusted nutrition products and improve public health outcomes.

A joint knowledge paper titled ‘NutriBharat@2047 – India’s Nutritional Transition through Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods,’ prepared by EY and Assocham, was also released during the conference, highlighting the need for India to transition from a food-security framework to a “nutrition for all” approach.

The conference brought together policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, researchers, and global organizations to discuss innovation, regulatory frameworks, research collaboration, and global opportunities for India’s nutraceutical and functional food sector.