Odisha is focusing on expanding agricultural and food-processing exports; the state has strong potential to reach US$ 1 billion in agricultural and processed-food exports by 2035. A strategic shift towards value-added processing and export-oriented production could significantly enhance income realization, generate employment, and position Odisha as a competitive food-processing hub in India, according to a study by Assocham Global Research and Strategy Centre.
The Assocham Report “Food Processing in Odisha: Opportunities and Growth Outlook” was released by the the chief minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, during the Odisha Food Pro Event recently, in the presence of dignitaries, including Anu Garg, IAS, chief secretary, Odisha; Sampad Chandra Swain, minister of industries and SDTE, Odisha; Hemant Sharma, additional chief secretary, Nirmal K Minda, president, Assocham; Vikram Kelkar, co-chairman of Assocham’s Food Processing & Value Addition Council; Saurabh Sanyal, secretary general, Assocham and senior officials of Assocham.
Odisha’s development journey is entering a phase in which value addition will define the pace and quality of growth. With agriculture contributing nearly one-fifth of the state’s economy and a diversified production base, conditions are ideal for scaling up food processing to boost exports and income generation.
Speaking at the release of the Assocham Report, Nirmal K Minda, president of Assocham, said that Odisha has emerged as one of the most promising investment destinations in the country, demonstrating remarkable progress through investor-friendly reforms, robust infrastructure development, and a strong commitment to sustainable industrialization. In 2025, the state received USD 69.72 million in FDI.
The current export structure highlights a clear opportunity to enhance competitiveness and resilience in global markets. A forward-looking strategy that prioritizes efficiency across the value chain will ensure inclusive growth. Odisha can not only scale its exports but also position itself as a model for processing-led agricultural transformation in India, thereby contributing to the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, said Minda.
Saurabh Sanyal highlighted that the Government of Odisha has shown strong resolve to position the state as a preferred destination for food-processing industries by creating a supportive ecosystem for investors.
Odisha’s food processing sector offers a compelling opportunity to redefine the state’s economic trajectory. While the foundations, including agriculture, fisheries, and policy support, are firmly in place, the next step is to scale up, improve efficiency, and integrate markets, said Sanyal.
Assocham believes that with strong policy execution and deeper industry participation, Odisha can unlock its untapped potential, become a key contributor to India’s food-export ambitions, create jobs, enhance farmers’ incomes, and position itself as a competitive agri-processing destination.
Strengthening cold-chain networks, expanding testing and certification infrastructure, and enabling MSMEs to meet global standards will be critical enablers. With the right mix of policy support and private-sector engagement, the state is well-positioned to unlock new growth avenues and become a significant player in global food markets.
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An English-language food and beverage processing and packaging industry B2B platform in print and web, IndiFoodBev is in its third year of publication. It is said that the Indian food and beverage industries represent approximately US$ 900 billion in revenues which implies more than 20% of the country’s GDP. Eliminating the wastage on the farmside can help to deliver more protein to a higher number of the population apart from generating sizable exports. The savings in soil, seeds, water, fertilizer, energy and ultimately food and nutrition could be the most immense contribution that country is poised to make to the moderation of climate change.
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Naresh Khanna – 10 February 2025
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