Latest news with #MinistryofFoodProcessingIndustries
Indian Express
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Delhi Confidential: Global promotion
Makhana (foxnuts) has emerged as a buzzword ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in Bihar, following the Centre's announcement to establish a dedicated board for its promotion. It was among the most sought-after food products at the inaugural International Buyer-Seller Meet (IBSM), held in Patna on May 19–20. Organised by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, under the leadership of Union Minister Chirag Paswan, the event attracted considerable interest from international buyers, many of whom are said to have entered into agreements to source makhana directly from the farmers in Bihar. An official noted that the ministry staff — especially those in Paswan's office — along with state government officials, worked tirelessly to make the event a success, earning appreciation from the minister himself. Unexpected Support Ashoka University associate professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, arrested by Haryana police on Sunday over a social media post, has got support from an unexpected quarter – former Ambedkar Nagar MP and BJP leader Ritesh Pandey, who jumped ship from the BSP last year. Pandey, who has a 'close friendship' with Mahmudabad, a Samajwadi Party member and former spokesperson of the party, wrote on X that the professor is a 'sensible person' and there can be no 'question mark' on his dedication towards the nation. He also wrote that he hopes Mahmudabad 'gets justice soon'. Many in the BJP were surprised and the party office in Lucknow was abuzz about the post which also called the action taken by the police in BJP-ruled Haryana 'not justified'. Strong Backing At the External Affairs Standing Committee meeting on Monday, MPs cutting across party lines are learnt to have expressed their anguish at the extent of social media harassment that Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and his family had to face. The committee was inclined to pass a resolution but Misri thanked the Members of Parliament and insisted that their support was enough for him.
Hindustan Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Bihar will play a pivotal role in positioning India as global food basket: Paswan
Patna, Maintaining that the vision of a 'viksit Bihar' is inseparable from 'viksit Bharat', Union Minister Chirag Paswan on Monday said the state's fertile land and entrepreneurial spirit will play a pivotal role in positioning India as a global food basket. The Union Minister of Food Processing Industries said this while inaugurating the two-day 'International Buyer Seller Meet ' here. This 'International Buyer Seller Meet' is not just a trade event, it is a turning point for rural prosperity, he said. Reflecting on Bihar's rich civilisation, Paswan highlighted its historic leadership in shaping the nation. "Being the land of Aryabhatta, Sita Mata, Chanakya, Lord Mahavira and Lord Buddha — Bihar has always shown the way. That same potential will now power the growth of food processing sector in the state. We envision Bihar's youth to become job creators, not job seekers. We will ensure every investor is fully facilitated by the government," said the union minister. The Ministry of Food Processing Industries in partnership with Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority , Trade Promotion Council of India , and Government of Bihar, is organising the meet. The event aims to bring together key stakeholders from food and allied sectors to promote trade, strengthen exports, and unlock Bihar's agri-food potential. Paswan stated that in the financial year 2024–25, the Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries has sanctioned a record 10,270 loans worth ₹624.42 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises scheme to micro food processing units in Bihar—the highest for any state in the country. He said that this is not a mere coincidence, but the result of the government's focused push to translate the vision of viksit Bihar into ground-level impact. It reflects both the ministry's resolve to strengthen rural enterprise and the resounding trust that Bihar's micro-entrepreneurs have placed in the policies of the government, Paswan added. Drawing a parallel with the ancient glory of Nalanda, where scholars from across the world once came in pursuit of knowledge, he remarked that the newly announced National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management in Bihar will carry forward that legacy. "From being the land of wisdom to becoming a hub of innovation in food, Bihar is once again ready to lead," he said. The Union minister also launched a strategic report titled "Strategies to Boost India's Makhana Exports", underscoring Bihar's leadership in this unique GI-tagged product. Speaking on the occasion, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha highlighted the role of the food processing industry in enhancing farmers income. He also informed the gathering about the launch of the Bihar Krishi App, a dedicated platform to provide farmers with essential support and information. The DyCM invited investors to positively consider the state as a promising and future-ready investment destination. Bihar Industries Minister Nitish Mishra said, "Bihar has the potential to become the growth engine of East India". He mentioned the presence of a Government of India-approved Mega Food Park at Muzaffarpur and encouraged investors to leverage Bihar's industrial infrastructure. He mentioned the state's investor-ready ecosystem and the proactive allotment of land within seven days through the Single Window Clearance System. Significantly, 12 companies announced procurement commitments for rice, pulses, spices, fruits, vegetables, and makhana from Bihar, marking a breakthrough in long-term sourcing partnerships with countries. Seventy international buyers representing 20 countries, including six global retail chains, alongside 50 domestic and 20 institutional buyers, are attending the meet. The meet witnessed interest from global players like LuLu Group , SARTAJ , Datar & Sons and Global Foods Trading , who are exploring large-scale procurement of rice, spices, makhana, and fruits from Bihar. Companies such as Royal Golden Trading and UVR Natural Foods have also announced concrete sourcing plans, reaffirming Bihar's emergence as a trusted sourcing hub under the proactive efforts of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, said the statement issued by the state Industries department.
Hans India
13-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Bihar: Neelu's spices business and sapling nursery bring paradigm change in village, courtesy PMFMPE scheme
Bhagalpur: Neelu Kumari, a resident of Jittiya village in the city, has scripted an inspirational story of self-reliance under the Prime Minister's Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFMPE) scheme. Her spices outlet as well as sapling nursery has brought a paradigm change in the fellow villagers' thinking, acceptance, as well as endorsement of the new initiative. Neelu, despite having completed an MA degree, did not get employment and rather started her own venture to realise her vision of a self-reliant nation. She took the help of schemes like Jeevika, MNREGA, and PMFME. Today, she is running a spice grinding business in her village and has also set up a sapling nursery. Her initiative has become an inspiration for other women of the village. Neelu, who had an inter-caste marriage, broke social barriers and chose the path of self-reliance. Taking the help of the PMFME scheme, she started her own spice grinding business. Her business not only strengthened her financial condition but also benefited the local farmers who produce spices. Neelu, sharing her story with IANS, said, "We faced setbacks during the Corona period. Earlier, our condition was very bad, but this scheme made us self-reliant. Today, we are not only earning but also providing employment to other women of the village." Along with the spice business, Neelu also started a plant nursery with the help of MNREGA under Mission Gardening. She says, "Earlier, there was no nursery in our village or block. We got help after registering under MNREGA and Jeevika. Now people come to us from far-off places to buy plants. Our business has become stronger through Jeevika, as they give preference to our plants." Another female beneficiary of the village, who joined the Jeevika group in 2014, said that she got a flour mill under the PMFME scheme in 2019. 'This scheme proved very beneficial for us during the Corona period. Earlier we had to go far away, but now we have got work in the village itself. Our condition has improved, and we are proud that we are becoming self-reliant along with Neelu Didi," she said. She thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, "Such schemes should be more successful in villages. I want special schemes to be brought for widows and poor women, so that they can also become self-reliant. The benefits of these schemes should reach the women of the lower strata of the village." PMFME, a scheme run by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, provides financial, technical and business support to micro food processing enterprises. This scheme has given entrepreneurs like Neelu an opportunity to promote and grow their business. Neelu's story proves that with the right opportunity and hard work, success can be achieved even in adverse circumstances. Neelu Kumari's initiative is an example of success not only for her village but also for the whole Bhagalpur district. Her story is an example of people contributing to the vision of a self-reliant India.
The Print
25-04-2025
- Business
- The Print
Food processing sector holds endless opportunities: Union Minister Chirag Paswan
'The food processing sector holds endless opportunities, and with focused innovation, we cannot only meet our own needs but also establish India as a global food basket. This journey of innovation and capacity-building will not only strengthen our economy but also create vast employment opportunities across the country,' he said at an event in Sonipat, Haryana. 'There is no dearth of talent in India. What we need is to harness it better by equipping our youth with the right skill sets. Chandigarh, Apr 25 (PTI) Union Minister Chirag Paswan on Friday said the food processing sector holds endless opportunities, and with focused innovation, India can be established as a global food basket. Paswan, Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, said the ministry is committed to enhancing India's food processing capacity, empowering farmers, and supporting the industry at every step. The Ministry of Food Processing Industries, in collaboration with the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM)-Kundli in Sonipat, inaugurated the second edition of SUFALAM 2025 (Start-Up Forum for Aspiring Leaders and Mentors) at the NIFTEM campus. The two-day conclave is aimed at strengthening India's food processing sector through innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration, and aligns with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, an official statement said. Subrata Gupta, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, emphasised the importance of improving food productivity while minimising wastage. 'With rising food demands and limited land, the challenge before us is not just to feed a growing population, but to do so sustainably and efficiently,' Gupta said. The ministry is actively supporting the industry through a slew of measures, focusing on increasing production, reducing wastage, and building robust infrastructure. 'To move the food industry forward, we must empower our youth with the right skills and develop cutting-edge technologies. The ministry remains fully committed to enabling this transformation and ensuring a resilient, future-ready food ecosystem,' he said. More than 250 startups from 23 states, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, participated in the event. PTI SUN SHW MR This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
