Another milestone: India as the 'Food basket of the world'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has himself disclosed that since 2014, India has been able to attract Rs 50,000 crore in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the food and the food processing sector.

- DR M CHUBA AO

This sector is vital as it crucially connects Indian farmers to domestic and international markets. It is the fifth-largest industry in terms of production, consumption, exports, and growth potential. Moreover, the export of processed food has increased as high as 150 percent in the last nine years, that is, since 2014. Therefore, it is not without good reasons one can say that India’s food processing sector has emerged as a “sunrise” industry.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has himself disclosed that since 2014, India has been able to attract Rs 50,000 crore in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the food and the food processing sector. In other words, this states India’s position of strength. Now an important feature of the debate. Prime Minister Modi in the context of the International Year of Millets, has recognized millets as an integral part of India’s ‘superfood bucket’. Mr. Modi has called for a worldwide awareness campaign on millets, drawing parallels with the impact of International Yoga Day.