INDIA’S FOOD PROCESSING NEEDS SCALE, NOT JUST NUMBERS, SAYS JITIN PRASADA AT INDUSFOOD 2026 A SPECIAL MEDIA COVERAGE BY: KHATIBAH REHMAT (Senior Journalist).
Greater Noida, January, 9th. 2026: Indusfood 2026: Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Shri Jitin Prasada on Wednesday said India’s nearly 40,000 registered agro-based processing units must scale up operations to build sustainable revenue models and global competitiveness. He was speaking at the inauguration of the World Culinary Heritage Conference 2026 held at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, alongside the ongoing Indusfood 2026 exhibition.
(From L-R): Shri Mohit Singla, Chairman Trade Promotion Council Of India, Chef Manjit Gill, President of IFCA, Shri Jitin Prasada, Hon’ble Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Chef Nimish Bhatia, Mr. Tomasi Tuabuna, Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture and Waterways, Govt. of Fiji.
In his address, the Minister highlighted that food is emerging as one of India’s strongest soft power tools while also becoming a major platform for trade and economic growth. He said the congregation of chefs, exporters, importers and policymakers at Indusfood 2026 represents the future of collaboration, creating new opportunities for MSMEs, agri-food exporters and overseas buyers in the global marketplace.
Mr. Tomasi Tuabuna, Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture and Waterways, Govt. of Fiji lighting the ceremonial lamp at IndusFood 2026.
Emphasising India’s rich culinary diversity, Shri Prasada noted that Indian food is deeply rooted in culture, geography and history, with cuisines changing every few kilometres. He said India’s culinary heritage goes back centuries and reflects regional languages, climates and lifestyles, making it a unique global offering. This diversity, he added, strengthens India’s position as a global food destination.
Shri Jitin Prasada, Hon’ble Minister of State for Commerce and Industry address the media and the guests.
Highlighting sectoral growth, the Minister said India has registered close to 40,000 agro-based processing units, marking a shift from home-based and regional cuisines to organised food processing. However, he stressed the need for scale to achieve meaningful revenue growth. He also cited Lucknow’s recognition as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy as a major milestone for India’s food ecosystem.
Shri Jitin Prasada, Hon’ble Minister of State for Commerce and Industry was welcomed by Shri Mohit Singla, Chairman Trade Promotion Council Of India.
Shri Prasada further pointed to India’s dominance in spices, with 109 varieties produced, many recognised worldwide, giving Indian cuisines’ a competitive edge. He also highlighted Free Trade Agreements, ease of doing business reforms and global recognition of Indian restaurants, including Michelin stars. The Minister later attended APEDA’s BHARATI Business Challenge 2026 session, assuring full government support to agri-food startups.
A SPECIAL MEDIA COVERAGE BY: KHATIBAH REHMAT (Senior Journalist).
PICTURES COURTESY: Team TRADE PROMOTION COUNCIL OF INDIA (TPCI).
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