Union Food Processing Industries Minister Chirag Paswan announced on Friday that the government is on a 'Reform Express' and is replacing outdated systems with a new framework. Speaking on the sidelines of the Indian Healthy Snacking Summit, Paswan invited industry stakeholders to regularly share suggestions to help shape reforms in the food processing sector. The minister emphasized that the government has remained responsive to industry concerns, citing GST reforms as an example where rates have been brought down to 5% or even zero for most products. Paswan stated that the government is replacing the old system with a new system and wants the industry to keep giving suggestions at regular intervals on the reforms that are needed.
Union Food Processing Minister Chirag Paswan has challenged the widespread perception that all processed food is unhealthy, arguing this narrative is not always based on scientific evidence. According to reports from News Arena India, Paswan addressed the Indian Healthy Snacking Summit in New Delhi, organised by food company Farmley, where he emphasized that maintaining product quality should remain the industry's top priority. The minister called for greater public awareness backed by credible scientific information, stating that changing consumer preferences present opportunities for the industry to introduce innovative snacks and processed foods that focus on a healthier lifestyle without compromising on quality. Paswan specifically criticized social media influencers who create false narratives without scientific backing, stating that just because someone has a camera and a microphone, they start giving advice without any scientific backing.
Paswan highlighted the need to counter negative narratives being created by social media influencers that 'processed food is bad'. As reported by News Arena India, he informed that his ministry has constituted a committee comprising industry stakeholders to ensure consumers get right information. The minister expressed concerns over rising cases of obesity, particularly among the youth, and urged companies to invest in developing healthier and more nutritious food products. He emphasized that consumers should be empowered with accurate information to make informed choices, adding that there cannot be a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to nutrition as dietary requirements vary from person to person. Citing the example of protein-rich diets, he said while they are generally considered beneficial, they may not be suitable for people with kidney-related ailments. He added that industry and policymakers share the responsibility of providing correct information to consumers and countering misinformation, with particular mention of the challenge of misleading advertisements.
According to News Arena India, Paswan highlighted the immense scope of the food processing industry to drive economic growth by generating large-scale employment, increasing farmers' incomes through value addition, reducing post-harvest losses and food wastage, and enhancing India's exports of processed food products. The minister pointed to the Centre's initiatives over the past 12 years, stating that the government has introduced several measures to strengthen the food processing industry, including permitting 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the sector. He said the Summit was organised to create greater awareness about healthy eating habits and address the growing concern of obesity, stating that obesity is a concern and there should be greater availability of healthy options in the market. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's focus on fitness and healthy living, Paswan said the Prime Minister has repeatedly spoken about fitness, yoga and the need to reduce edible oil consumption by 10% to encourage healthier lifestyle choices.
As reported by News Arena India, Paswan stated that institutions like the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management support startups and innovation in the food processing industry. These institutions are helping entrepreneurs develop new products and strengthen India's food processing ecosystem. The minister emphasized that 'Indian standards should be recognised as global standards' and called for sustained efforts to ensure Indian quality standards gain wider international recognition, with particular disappointment when Indian food consignments fail to meet international quality standards. He stressed that excess consumption of any food can have adverse health effects and called for collective efforts to promote healthier lifestyles through awareness, responsible food processing and informed consumer choices. Paswan also urged food companies to educate farmers about natural and organic farming practices to improve soil health and encouraged crop diversification so that farmers can meet changing domestic and international demands for food products.
