New Delhi, March 18: Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan has called for a long-term strategic roadmap for India’s food processing and nutraceutical sectors, stressing that the industry must align its growth with the country’s broader goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
Speaking at “NutriBharat 2026: National Conference on the Role of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods in Strengthening Nutrition Security,” organised by ASSOCHAM on March 17, the minister urged stakeholders to set clear milestones for the short, medium and long term while working closely with policymakers and regulators.
Paswan emphasised the need for a structured roadmap for the next one year, five years and ten years, highlighting that collaborative efforts between industry, government and regulatory bodies will be essential to unlock the sector’s full potential.
“India has successfully moved from food scarcity to food security. The next frontier is nutrition security, ensuring that our future generations are healthy and free from malnutrition,” he said.
The minister noted that the food processing industry will play a critical role in strengthening the country’s nutrition ecosystem by ensuring the availability of safe, nutritious and high-quality food products. With rising consumer awareness around health and wellness, sectors such as nutraceuticals and functional foods are expected to emerge as key drivers of India’s food economy.
Paswan also stressed the importance of maintaining global standards and stringent quality control to safeguard India’s credibility in international markets. He warned that even a single rejected export consignment at a foreign port could undermine the reputation that Indian food exporters have built over decades.
Calling for higher industry accountability, he urged companies to prioritise quality assurance, innovation, and responsible manufacturing practices, while strengthening collaboration with regulatory authorities and research institutions.
Industry experts attending the conference highlighted that nutraceuticals and functional foods are increasingly becoming important tools for addressing malnutrition, lifestyle diseases, and micronutrient deficiencies. With India aiming to improve public health outcomes, the integration of food processing, nutrition science and regulatory frameworks is expected to play a pivotal role in achieving the country’s long-term nutrition security goals.
The conference brought together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers and nutrition experts to discuss strategies for strengthening the nutraceutical ecosystem and advancing India’s food processing sector in line with national development priorities.
