Two-Day Chintan Shivir of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries Concludes in Udaipur

Udaipur: A two-day National *Chintan Shivir*, organized by the **Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India**, concluded at the **Marriott Hotel, Udaipur**, with extensive deliberations on strengthening India’s food processing ecosystem. The objective of the conclave was to enhance farmers’ income, reduce post-harvest losses, promote value addition, and create new employment opportunities for youth and women.

Addressing the gathering, **Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, Shri Chirag Paswan**, stated that the government aims to develop a **modern, competitive, and inclusive food processing sector** that plays a vital role in India’s economic growth. He emphasized that the food processing industry serves as a powerful medium to directly connect farmers with markets, ensure better prices for agricultural produce, and strengthen the rural economy.

The Union Minister further highlighted that the Central Government is continuously working to attract investments and promote **innovation-driven entrepreneurship** in the food processing sector. He expressed confidence that such Chintan Shivirs would provide a strong foundation for policy formulation and significantly contribute toward positioning **India as a global food processing hub**.

The conclave witnessed the esteemed presence of **Ministry Secretary Abhinav Joshi, Special Secretary Smt. Nandita Gopal, and Joint Secretary Devesh Deval**. On this occasion, special publications showcasing **technological advancements in the food processing sector** and **success stories of Startup Grant Challenge winners** were also released. These publications were seen as an important step toward inspiring innovation and entrepreneurship.

During the Shivir, in-depth discussions were held on **enhancing food processing capacity, easing the cost of doing business, strengthening infrastructure, and promoting entrepreneurship** through practical and actionable strategies. Representatives from the industry, startups, and other stakeholders shared their experiences and offered valuable suggestions on **policy reforms and investment opportunities**, making the conclave a meaningful platform for collaborative dialogue and future growth.