India's food processing sector finds itself at critical juncture . Industry value is over $300 billion now,with projections suggesting it could hit $535 billion by 2026. But only about 10% of agricultural produce is processed here. In developed countries,it's 80%. Suresh Naryanan,ex-Chairman of Nestlé India, sees big opportunity for value addition,jobs,rural prosperity .
At a conference called ‘Reimagining Agro-Food Processing: The AI & Robotics Revolution’ held by Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC), Naryanan said this gap is a path for growth. Government's ready for it,with ₹4,064 crore in budget allocations and private investments over ₹9,227 crore.
C.N. Shiva Prakash,Managing Director of Karnataka State Agricultural Produce Processing and Export Corporation Limited (KAPPEC), backs this view. Karnataka's leading in micro food processing. Over 10,500 units there,employing nearly 100,000 people. Prime Minister’s Formalisation of Micro Food Enterprises (PMFME) scheme boosts this,especially for millet-based industries .
Karnataka's built strong food processing ecosystem. More than 3,500 millet units. Prakash said they get subsidies up to 50% of capital investment,capped at ₹15 lakh . Union government gives 35% under PMFME, Karnataka adds 15%. Attractive for entrepreneurs.
At the conference,Prashant Gokhale,BCIC president,said India should aim beyond food self-sufficiency to be global food power,especially with geopolitical tensions . India produces around 350 million tonnes of food grains,enough for 1.5 billion people. But 30% wasted . That's 100 million tonnes of food potential lost.
Gokhale argued AI,robotics,food processing tech could cut waste,boost value-added products,secure global food. One-day conclave gathered policymakers,industry leaders,agri-entrepreneurs,tech experts,researchers. They explored innovation's role in reshaping India's agro-food processing…and what it means for farmers,rural communities .
