Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that global investors, especially those in the food sector, are looking towards India with great optimism. Addressing the World Food India 2025 programme in New Delhi yesterday, the Prime Minister underscored that strong domestic demand gives India a competitive edge and makes it a preferred destination for investors. Acknowledging the challenges of the twenty-first century, PM Modi said India has consistently stepped forward to play a positive role whenever global challenges have arisen. He highlighted that India continues to contribute actively to global food security.
The Prime Minister affirmed that whenever there is a global crop crisis or supply chain disruption, India stands firm and fulfils its responsibility. Emphasising that India is committed to expanding its capacity and contribution in the global interest, the Prime Minister stated that the government is strengthening the entire food and nutrition ecosystem by engaging every stakeholder.
The Prime Minister stressed that today, India is the world’s third-largest start-up ecosystem, with many start-ups working in the food and agriculture sectors. He further added that in the last ten years, 25 crore people in India have overcome poverty. Prime Minister Modi pointed out that technologies like AI, e-commerce, drones, and apps are being integrated into the sector, transforming supply chains, retail, and processing methods. He also said that small farmers are becoming a major force in the market, and the government has aimed several policies towards helping the small farmers. He added that in India, cooperatives are giving the dairy sector and the rural economy a new strength.
Prime Minister emphasised that the strength of India’s agriculture sector has grown due to the hard work of farmers, livestock rearers, and fishermen, supported by government policies. He noted that food grain production has seen significant growth over the past decade.
The Prime Minister stated that India is the largest producer of milk, contributing 25 per cent of the global milk supply, and is also the leading producer of millets. He added that India ranks second globally in rice and wheat production and has a substantial contribution in fruits, vegetables, and fisheries.
Talking to Akashvani News, Raziya Sheikh, a stall owner from Chhattisgarh, said that World Food India 2025 has given a great opportunity to her and other small businesspersons to showcase their local indigenous food, culture and hard work.
Himanshu Sharma, a farmer from Solan, Himachal Pradesh, spoke to Akashvani News and said he is thankful for this opportunity to exhibit his organic homegrown fruits, dry fruits and vegetables. He also expressed gratitude towards the Ministry of Food Processing Industries for giving this platform to entrepreneurs from various states and countries.
The four-day event is showcasing India’s strengths in the food processing sector, food sustainability and the production of nutritious and organic food. The event will showcase India’s transformative journey in food processing, while fostering international collaborations and investment opportunities.
