India as Global Food Basket: Chirag Paswan Links Rice Industry to Viksit Bharat 2047
Union Minister Chirag Paswan emphasizes the role of the rice industry and food processing in making India a global food basket by 2047.
Union Minister Chirag Paswan has underscored the pivotal role of the food processing and rice industry in realizing the vision of 'Viksit Bharat 2047'. Speaking at the Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) in New Delhi, the Minister highlighted that these sectors are essential drivers for India's economic evolution and its ambition to become a developed nation by 2047.
Strengthening Global Ties Through FTAs
A central theme of Paswan's address was the strategic importance of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). He noted that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, India is actively pursuing trade agreements with various nations to bolster export relations. These agreements are seen as the key to unlocking new markets and expanding the global footprint of Indian agricultural products.
The Minister emphasized that India's capacity has grown beyond merely sustaining its own population. He stated that while the country is successfully meeting its own hunger needs, it now possesses the potential to address the food requirements of other nations, effectively positioning India as a "global food basket."
The Evolution of the Food Processing Sector
Reflecting on the history of the industry, Paswan acknowledged that food processing was overlooked for a significant period. He attributed this neglect to a time when India was a food-deficit nation, making immediate consumption a higher priority than value addition. However, he stressed that the current landscape has shifted, and the food processing vertical is now a critical component of the agricultural economy.
"When the PM talks about 'Viksit Bharat 2047, the Food Processing sector and the rice vertical are going to be very important. With FTAs with various countries, the whole idea is to have stronger export relations."
BIRC 2026: A Hub for Global Trade
The remarks were made during the opening of the BIRC 2026 at Bharat Mandapam. Organized by the Indian Rice Exporters' Federation (IREF), the three-day event serves as a massive networking hub for Indian exporters and international buyers. The conference aims to:
- Explore untapped international markets.
- Analyze the global rice price outlook for 2027.
- Identify strategies to improve financial returns across the industry.
Conference Highlights by the Numbers
The scale of the event reflects the global interest in India's rice exports:
- Registrations: 32,467 total participants.
- International Reach: 4,856 buyers representing 153 different countries.
- Knowledge Sharing: 65 speakers and nine dedicated knowledge sessions.
- Business Networking: 2,038 B2B meetings facilitated via a digital platform.
Minister Paswan congratulated the BIRC and the Federation for the initiative, noting that such platforms are vital for stakeholders to exchange ideas, identify areas for improvement, and drive the growth of value-added food products on a global scale.