**Executive Summary**
The Union Minister Shri Chirag Paswan inaugurated the ANVESH-2026 International Conference at NIFTEM-Kundli on February 26, 2026. The conference, themed "International Conference on Advanced Next Generation Vision for Emerging and Sustainable Healthy Foods", focuses on the role of food processing in realising the vision of Viksit Bharat–2047. The three-day event involves experts from over 25 countries and will include plenary sessions, lectures, discussions, exhibitions and industry interactions.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Conference Overview:**
* ANVESH-2026 is a three-day international conference held at NIFTEM-Kundli.
* It aims to deliberate on advancements in food processing, value addition, digital compliance, sustainable supply chains, export-oriented innovation, product diversification, food safety, traceability and agri-food ecosystems.
* The conference includes participation from over 1,000 delegates.
* **Ministerial Remarks:**
* Union Minister Shri Chirag Paswan stated that food processing is crucial for Viksit Bharat–2047.
* He emphasized the need for technology-driven development, innovation, and research in rural areas.
* He highlighted the growing demand for Ready-to-Eat and Ready-to-Cook products.
* He stressed the need to focus on value addition.
* 100% FDI has been permitted in trading, including e-commerce, of food products manufactured or produced in India.
* Indian food products should be present on every dining table across the world by ensuring quality and regulatory standards.
* India has signed FTAs with 23 countries while safeguarding farmers’ interests.
* **PLI Scheme for Food Processing:**
* The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Food Processing is a successful scheme.
* ₹2,625.04 crore has been released, approximately 24% of the total allocation of ₹10,900 crore.
* 3.29 lakh jobs have been created under the scheme, exceeding the target of 2.5 lakh.
* **Other Perspectives:**
* Avinash Joshi, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, highlighted NIFTEM as an example of sustainability.
* World Food Prize Laureate Shakuntala Haraksingh Thilsted emphasized action-oriented approaches to sustainable food processing.
* T.G. Sitharam stated India is a global leader in science and technology.
* Harinder Singh Oberoi highlighted the conference as a platform for knowledge exchange and technological collaboration.
**Impact Analysis**
**Industry Representatives, Exporters, Entrepreneurs, and Policymakers:**
* **Impact:** Opportunity to gain knowledge, collaborate, and explore advancements in food processing.
* **Action Required:** Participate in the conference, exhibitions, and discussions to understand the latest developments and potential business opportunities.
**Farmers:**
* **Impact:** Potentially increased income and access to new technologies.
* **Action Required:** Adapt to technological advancements to improve agricultural productivity and engage with the food processing sector.
**Consumers:**
* **Impact:** Access to safe, high-quality, and diverse food products.
* **Action Required:** Stay informed about food safety standards and support sustainable food production practices.
**NIFTEM-Kundli:**
* **Impact:** Showcasing its role in advancing food technology and entrepreneurship.
* **Action Required:** Facilitate knowledge sharing and technological collaboration among participants.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Food Processing Industries: The ministry responsible for promoting the food processing sector in India.
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Food Processing: A government scheme to boost food processing by incentivizing production and investment.
NIFTEM-Kundli: National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli
ANVESH-2026 International Conference: The International Conference on Advanced Next Generation Vision for Emerging and Sustainable Healthy Foods
Chirag Paswan: Union Minister for Food Processing Industries
Ministry of Food Processing Industries
Food Processing to Play a Decisive Role in
Realising the Vision of Viksit Bharat : Union
Minister Shri Chirag Paswan
Grand Inauguration of ANVESH–2026 International
Conference at NIFTEM–Kundli
Posted On: 26 FEB 2026 5:19PM by PIB Delhi
The “International Conference on Advanced Next Generation Vision for Emerging and Sustainable
Healthy Foods (ANVESH–2026)” was inaugurated today at National Institute of Food Technology
Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM–Kundli). The three-day international conference is
witnessing participation from experts, researchers, industry representatives, exporters, entrepreneurs and
policymakers from more than 25 countries.
Addressing the inaugural session, the Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan stated
that the food processing sector will play a crucial role in realising the vision of Viksit Bharat–2047
envisioned by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He emphasised that for a nation of 1.4 billion
people, technology-driven development is imperative. Innovations, research and modern technologies
must be taken to rural areas and farmers to bridge the gap between villages and cities.
Highlighting changing consumer lifestyles, the Minister noted the growing demand for Ready-to-Eat
(RTE) and Ready-to-Cook products, which are integral to the expansion of the food processing sector.
While India has significant production volume, he stressed the need to focus on value addition. He
recalled that 11 years ago, 100% FDI was permitted in trading, including e-commerce, of food products
manufactured or produced in India to boost value addition, enhance farmers’ income and position India as
a global food basket.
He further stated that the goal should be to ensure that Indian food products are present on every dining
table across the world. There can be no compromise on quality and regulatory standards if Indian
standards are to gain global recognition. He added that India has signed Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)
with 23 countries while safeguarding farmers’ interests and called for dispelling false narratives
surrounding the food processing sector.
On the occasion, Avinash Joshi, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, said that ‘ANVESH’
signifies “Exploration and Acquire.” He described NIFTEM as an example of sustainability and healthy
food systems. He stated that the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Food Processing is one of
the shining performers among the 14 PLI schemes.
The Secretary further informed that out of the total outlay of ₹10,900 crore under the PLI scheme for food
processing, ₹2,625.04 crore has been released so far, which constitutes approximately 24% of the total
allocation. Against the targeted employment generation of 2.5 lakh under the scheme, 3.29 lakh jobs have
already been created, achieving 131% of the target and reflecting the scheme’s significant success.Shakuntala Haraksingh Thilsted, World Food Prize Laureate, emphasised the need for action-oriented and
solution-based approaches in food processing while ensuring sustainability of the planet.
T. G. Sitharam, former Chairman of AICTE, stated that India is emerging as a global leader in science and
technology, which aligns with the vision of a developed India.
Harinder Singh Oberoi, Director, NIFTEM–Kundli, highlighted that ANVESH–2026 provides a global
platform for knowledge exchange, technological collaboration and shared learning. He noted that
international technological collaboration is essential for India to establish global leadership in food
processing.
Earlier, the Union Minister visited the ANVESH–2026 exhibition and reviewed new technologies,
innovations and products showcased at the event.
The conference is witnessing participation from over 1,000 delegates. Over the next three days, plenary
sessions, keynote lectures, panel discussions, exhibitions and industry interactions will be organised. The
conference aims to deliberate on emerging advancements in food processing, value addition, digital
compliance systems, sustainable supply chains, export-oriented innovation, product diversification, food
safety, traceability and future-ready agri-food entrepreneurial ecosystems.****
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