Food Processing and Related Industries in India

Record Foodgrain Output 2024 –25: India Achieves Highest-Ever Production

Context: India has recorded its highest-ever foodgrain output in 2024–25, registering nearly 8% growth over the previous year. This marks one of the strongest agricultural performance phases in the last decade, supported by MSP-backed procurement, technological adoption, and favourable monsoon patterns.

Key Highlights of the Record Output

1. Total Foodgrain Production

Foodgrain output reached 357.73 million tonnes (MT).
This marks a rise of 106 MT over 2015–16, reflecting sustained long-term productivity gains.

2. Rice

Record production of 1501.84 lakh tonnes.
Increased by 123.59 lakh tonnes over 2023–24 due to improved paddy acreage and better kharif rainfall.

3. Wheat

Output climbed to 1179.45 lakh tonnes, a 46.53 lakh tonne increase over last year.
Supported by high-yield varieties and improved irrigation access.

4. Pulses

Production rose to 256.83 lakh tonnes, led by:
- Chickpea (Chana): 111.14 lakh tonnes
- Moong: 42.44 lakh tonnes
Mission-based interventions helped expand pulse acreage and reduce import reliance.

5. Coarse Cereals

Total production: 639.21 lakh tonnes, with maize alone at 434.09 lakh tonnes.
Growth driven by diversification and rising demand for feed and ethanol blending.

6. Oilseeds

Record 429.89 lakh tonnes, mainly due to:
- Soybean: 152.68 lakh tonnes
- Groundnut: 119.42 lakh tonnes
Reflects the success of oilseed missions and wider use of improved varieties.

7. Commercial Crops

Sugarcane: 4546.11 lakh tonnes
Cotton: 297.24 lakh bales
Jute: 88.02 lakh bales

Drivers Behind the Record Production

1. MSP-Backed Expansion

Strong procurement support raised farmer confidence.
Example: PM-AASHA bolstered tur–urad procurement, aiding pulse expansion.

2. Mission-Mode Productivity Gains

Oilseed and pulse missions improved seed varieties, extension services, and input access.
Example: Self-Reliance in Pulses Mission strengthened chana & moong yield.

3. Technological Adoption

Hybrid seeds, biofertilisers, mechanisation, and drone-based nutrient spraying raised per-acre productivity.
Supported by the Sub-Mission on Seeds & Planting Material (SMSP).

4. Better Water Management

PMKSY – Per Drop More Crop expanded micro-irrigation and watershed projects, stabilising yields.

5. Crop Diversification

Higher acreage in maize, soybean, mustard, and sugarcane boosted overall output.
Supported by the National Food Security Mission (NFSM).

6. Favourable Monsoon

IMD reported normal rainfall pockets in key kharif regions during 2024, aiding rice, pulses, and oilseeds.

Significance of the Record Harvest

Food Security Strengthened: FCI + state stocks exceed 500 lakh tonnes.
Reduced Import Dependence: Lower edible oil (₹1–1.3 lakh crore) and pulse import bills.
Higher Farmer Income: Chana procurement up 20–25%; coarse cereals also saw strong purchases.
Inflation Control: Increased supply helps moderate CPI Food Inflation (~45% weight).
Export Boost: Surplus maize, rice, oilseeds lifted agri-exports by 6.7% in H1 FY25.
Climate Resilience: Millet area rose >5%, strengthening adaptation capacity.

FSSAI Bans Misuse of ‘ORS’ Label

Context: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a directive prohibiting the use of the term ‘Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS)’ on any food or beverage product that does not meet the World Health Organization (WHO)-approved formulation.

This move aims to curb misleading marketing practices where some beverage companies label sugary drinks as “ORS,” deceiving consumers and posing potential health risks.

About the Directive

Legal Basis: Issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which empowers FSSAI to regulate and enforce food labelling and safety standards.
Misbranding Clause: Products using the term “ORS” without approval will be treated as misbranded or misleading advertisements, punishable under the Act.
Objective: To ensure that only clinically validated and WHO-compliant formulations are sold as ORS in India.

About FSSAI

Established: 2008, under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Mandate: To lay down science-based standards for food articles and regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, and sale to ensure food safety.

About Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS)

Purpose: ORS is a scientifically formulated solution used to treat dehydration resulting from diarrhoea, vomiting, or heat stress.
WHO-Approved Composition:
Sodium chloride, glucose, potassium chloride, and trisodium citrate — in precise proportions to optimize absorption.
Mechanism: The glucose–sodium co-transport mechanism in the intestines facilitates the absorption of electrolytes and water, restoring hydration efficiently.
Health Significance:
- Recognized as one of the most important medical advances for preventing child mortality due to diarrhoea.
- Must not be confused with general energy or electrolyte drinks, which often contain excessive sugar and inadequate electrolyte balance.

Significance of the Ban

Consumer Protection: Prevents the sale of unscientific and misleading products claiming medical properties.
Public Health Safety: Safeguards vulnerable populations, especially children, from consuming high-sugar products mislabelled as ORS.
Regulatory Strengthening: Reinforces India’s compliance with WHO and UNICEF standards for rehydration therapy.

Conclusion

The FSSAI’s regulation marks a vital step in ensuring evidence-based labelling and consumer protection. By limiting the ‘ORS’ tag to scientifically verified formulations, India upholds both medical integrity and public health priorities.

Cabinet approves Global Potato Research Center in Agra

Context: The Union Cabinet approved a proposal to set up a regional wing of the Peru-based International Potato Center (CIP) in Agra district, Uttar Pradesh.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: About International Potato Center, CIP-South Asia Regional Centre (CSARC), India’s position in global potato production.

About International Potato Center (CIP)

CIP-South Asia Regional Centre:

The proposed CIP-South Asia Regional Centre (CSARC) will be set up at Singna in Agra district, Uttar Pradesh.
Purpose: To strengthen India’s research and productivity in potatoes and sweet potatoes.
The project costs Rs 171 crore, with India contributing Rs 111.5 crore and the remaining Rs 60 crore funded by the CIP. The UP government has provided 10 hectares of land for it.
It will cater not only to farmers in India’s potato belt states, like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal, but also to South Asian countries.

Objective of CSARC:

To increase food and nutrition security, farmers income, and job creation by improving potato and sweet potato productivity, post-harvest management and value-addition.

Functions of CSARC:

To develop climate-resilient, disease-free, and processing-suitable potato & sweet potato varieties.
It will bring global science expertise, an extensive global innovation network and global genetic resources.

Significance of CSARC:

Boost Productivity:
- Though India is the second largest potato producer in the world, followed by China, its average yield is 25 tonnes per hectare, about half of its potential of over 50 tonnes per hectare.
- India’s sweet potato yield is just 11.5 tonnes per hectare, which is much less than the potential of 30 tonnes per hectare.
- A major reason for these low numbers is a lack of availability of high-quality seeds. With the establishment of the CSARC, India will have access to the largest global collection of germplasm (the cells or tissues from which a new organism can be generated) available with the CIP.

Boost Domestic Seed Production: Establishment of this center will boost domestic potato seed production, thereby reducing India’s dependence on seed imports from neighbouring countries.
Increase in Export Potential: It will also help increase the potential for exporting the potato and sweet potato products from India to international markets.
Aid Food Processing: It will aid local food processing industries in increasing investments in processing and value addition.

The proposed CSARC will be the second major international agricultural research institution to set up operations in India. In 2017, the Agriculture Ministry supported the establishment of a regional centre of the Philippines-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). The IRRI-SARC is established in Varanasi.

From Farm to Shelf: Food Processing Sector

Context: Government-led reforms and schemes have transformed India’s food processing sector into a driver of inclusive growth, agricultural integration, and global engagement.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Key government Initiatives for the Food Processing Sector.

Mains: Significance of the Food Processing Sector.

Food Processing Sector

Food processing is a technique of manufacturing and preserving food substances in an effective manner with a view to enhance their shelf life; improve quality as well as make them functionally more useful.
Once characterised by unorganised production and high post-harvest losses, the sector has now emerged as a key pillar of rural empowerment, entrepreneurship, and agri-industrial integration. Food Processing has emerged as a sunrise sector accounting for 11% of GVA in agriculture and 10% of GVA in manufacturing.

Significance of Food Processing Sector:

Promote agricultural diversification by increasing demand for raw material. E.g., Tribal women in Bastar transformed Mahua flowers into chocolates and herbal tea.
Reduce post harvest losses (about Rs 92000 Crore) through Cold chain infrastructure.
Boost agricultural exports E.g., Makhana of Bihar has turned into a global snack brand and now exports to the US and Canada.
Address nutritional insecurity through food fortification.
Promote inclusive growth through secondary agriculture and job creation.
Establish forward and backward linkages.

With following government initiatives, the food processing sector has emerged as one of the most potent instruments of inclusive growth, agricultural integration, and global engagement.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana:

Objective: Infrastructure creation, modernisation, and preservation of food products.
Key Outcomes:
- Created 250 lakh MT of annual processing and preservation capacity.
- Leveraged ₹22,000 crore private investment leveraged.
- 53 lakh farmers directly benefited and 7.6 lakh employment opportunities generated.

Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme:

Launched under: Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan with an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore.
Objective: Empower unorganised micro food enterprises through formalisation, credit, and skilling.
Key Achievements:
- Over 1.41 lakh loans sanctioned, worth ₹11,205 crore
- 3.3 lakh SHG members supported it with seed capital.
- Over 1 lakh individuals trained in entrepreneurship & skills
- To foster innovation and support early stages enterprises, 75 incubation centres were approved.
- 17 regional brands launched, promoting local products.

Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Food Processing Industries;

Objective: Catalyse large-scale investments, industrial capacity, and formal job creation
Achievement : With committed investment of ₹8,900 crore, the scheme has led to the creation of over 3.3 lakh new jobs and added more than 67 lakh MT processing capacity.

Budgetary Support for Infrastructure (Union Budget 2024-25)

Key Announcements:

50 multi-product irradiation units to improve shelf life and reduce losses.
100 NABL-accredited food testing laboratories for improved quality control.
Establishment of National Makhana Board to promote value addition, branding, and global recognition of Makhana.

Institutional Support and Innovation Ecosystem:

NIFTEM-Kundli and NIFTEM-Thanjavur, Institutes of National Importance, are training next-gen food technologists and entrepreneurs.
New NIFTEM is coming up in Bihar to utilise the eastern region’s potential.
India's food tech startup ecosystem is thriving with over 5,000 food-tech start-ups working on Plant-based foods, AI-enabled traceability, functional foods, sustainable packaging.

Global Branding and Investment Platform:

World Food India: An international platform by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries to promote investment, innovation, and global collaboration, showcasing India’s strength across the agri-food value chain.

The food processing sector in India is undergoing a major transformation- from farm to shelf. With strong government support, it is reducing post-harvest losses, creating jobs, boosting exports, and empowering rural communities.

India's Spice Sector

Context: The World Spice Organisation (WSO) reported that despite being the largest producer and exporter of diverse varieties of spices in the world, India’s share in the global seasoning market is only 0.7%.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Spices Industry in India- types, trends, growing areas.

Mains: Spice exports- Trends, issues, initiatives, way forward.

Spices in India

Primary spice-growing regions include Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat. However, new regions like the North-East, Odisha, and Jharkhand are emerging as significant spice producers.
Some of the most widely grown and exported spices in India include:
- Black Pepper: "The King of Spices," mainly grown in Kerala and Karnataka.
- Cardamom: Highly valued in global markets, produced in South India.
- Turmeric: Used in culinary, medicinal, and nutraceutical applications.
- Cumin & Coriander: Essential for Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine.
- Chilies: India is the largest producer of red chilies, widely grown in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Current Status of India's Spice Exports

Largest producer and exporter: India is the largest producer and exporter of diverse varieties of spices globally.
Total spice export: India exports 1.5 million tonnes of spices worth $4.5 billion, commanding about 25% of the $20 billion global spice market.
Low market share: India's share in the global seasoning market (valued at $14 billion in 2024) is only 0.7%, compared to:
- China: 12%
- United States: 11%
Value addition in spice exports:
- Only 48% of India's spice exports are value-added products.
- The remaining 52% are exported as raw, whole spices with limited processing.

Challenges in Indian Spice Industry

High cost of production: Farmers struggle with rising costs due to inefficient agricultural practices, pesticide overuse, and outdated processing methods.
Low value addition: India primarily exports whole spices rather than processed spice products like seasonings, extracts, and nutraceuticals. To meet the $10 billion export target by 2030, the share of value-added spices should increase from 48% to 70%.
Limited global market penetration: While India dominates spice production, countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, Brazil, and China have expanded their presence in international spice markets. Additionally, African nations have recently entered spice cultivation, posing new competition.
Quality & Safety Concerns: Stringent global regulations on pesticide residues and contamination require strict quality control measures. Many Indian spice farmers need training in integrated pest management, hygiene to meet international standards.
Climate change impact: Spice cultivation is highly sensitive to climate conditions. Unpredictable monsoons and rising temperatures threaten yields and quality. Developing high-yielding and climate-resistant varieties is essential to maintaining production levels.

Government & Industry Efforts for Improvement

Spices Board of India: Promotes research, processing, and export growth in the sector.
World Spice Organisation (WSO): Works with Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) to improve spice farming techniques.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR): Developing high-yield and climate-resistant spice varieties.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Programs: Educates farmers on sustainable cultivation practices.

To achieve the $10 billion spice export target by 2030, India must boost production efficiency, increase value-addition, expand global market presence, enhance pesticide control and meet international standards.

Horticulture Sector in India

Context: India’s horticulture sector including fruits and vegetables can try replicating the Amul model for harnessing the potential of farmer producer organisations.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Government Schemes

Mains: Horticulture Sector

About Horticulture Sector:

It is a vast and diverse field that encompasses the cultivation, production, processing, and marketing of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants.
Major types of horticulture:
- Pomology: Fruit cultivation and includes Viticulture (grape cultivation)
- Olericulture: cultivation of vegetables
- Floriculture: cultivation of flowers and ornamental plant
- Arboriculture: cultivation of trees and shrubs

Status of India's Horticulture Sector

India is the second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables globally, after China.
Contribution to Agriculture Gross Value Added (GVA): 33%
In 2023-24, horticulture production was estimated at 355 million tonnes, surpassing food grain production.
Horticulture sector growth rate: Around 4-5% annually, higher than cereals.
Exports: India is ranked 14th in vegetables and 23rd in fruits.
Post-harvest losses: About 8.1% for fruits and 7.3% for vegetables, accounting for 37% of the total post-harvest losses, valued at Rs 1.53 trillion annually (NABCONS, 2022).
Farmers' income: Farmers typically receive only 30% of the final consumer price due to unorganised value chains.

Significance of Horticulture Sector for India

Sunrise sector: Horticulture has the potential to:
- Double farmers income
- Generate employment
- Enhance foreign currency earnings
- Enable rural development
Food & Nutritional security:
- Fruits & vegetables form major sources of vitamins/minerals in Indian diet
Potential in India:
- Favourable agro-climatic conditions
- Abundant labour force
- Relatively low production costs
- High productivity, compared to cereals

Challenges in India’s Horticulture Sector

Infrastructure Deficit:
- Poor logistics and lack of equitable cold storage and warehousing facilities contribute to delays and wastages as Horticulture crops are highly perishable.
- Cold storage distribution among the states is inequitable, with around 59% of the storage capacity present in 4 states- Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat, and Punjab.
Post-harvest losses:
- Lack of cold storage, grading, and processing infrastructure leads to significant wastage.
- Seasonal gluts result in price crashes, affecting farmers' incomes.
Small operational landholdings:
- They limit the amount of land available for cultivation, for crop rotation and sustainable soil management resulting in reduced yields and decreased soil fertility.
Fragmented value chains:
- Unlike the dairy sector, where cooperatives like AMUL ensure stable pricing, horticulture lacks a structured aggregation and distribution system.
- Middlemen dominate the market, reducing farmers’ bargaining power.
Limited processing and value addition:
- Only 10% of India’s fruits and vegetables are processed, compared to 60-70% in developed countries.
- The absence of strong food processing industries leads to distress sales and lower farmer earnings.
Market linkages and Export challenges:
- Limited direct market access for farmers results in price volatility.
- Quality and traceability issues restrict India’s potential in global Fruits & Vegetables exports.
- India’s export share in horticulture remains low, despite being a top producer. (mere 1%.)
  - Indian exports face food safety and standards related issues due to non-tariff trade barriers like Sanitary and phytosanitary measures.
  - E.g.: pesticide residue has led to rejection of exports in key markets like the EU.

Initiatives taken

Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (2014): Centrally Sponsored Scheme, for the holistic growth of the horticulture sector with 2 sub-schemes:
- National Horticulture Mission: aims at holistic development of the horticulture sector by ensuring forward & backward linkage through a cluster approach under Horticulture Cluster Development Programme.
- Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States.
Operation Greens:
- Launched during Budget 2018-19 to address price fluctuations in tomato, onion, and potato (TOP) and for the benefit of farmers and consumers.
- It was later extended to all crops (from TOP to TOTAL).
Clean Plant Programme:
- CPP aims to enhance the quality of fruit crops across the nation by providing disease free high-quality planting material to farmers regardless of their landholding size.
Formation of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs):
- The government aims to establish 10,000 FPOs by 2027, with 8,875 already registered (as of August 2024).
- FPOs help in collective bargaining, better price realization, and reducing dependency on middlemen.
Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF):
- Provides financial support for cold chains, warehouses, and processing units.
- Aims to reduce post-harvest losses and improve price realization for farmers.
Coordinated programme on Horticulture Assessment and Management using geoinformatics (CHAMAN):
- To develop and firm up scientific methodology for estimation of area and production under horticulture crops.
Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme:
- for construction/ expansion/ modernization of Cold Storages/Storages of Horticulture Products.
Mega Food Parks:
- Establishment of agriculture export zones and Mega food parks to increase processing facilities for horticulture crops.
HORTINET App:
- Launched by APEDA (Agriculture and Processed Food Export Development Authority).
- Provide online services such as farm registration, testing and certification, real time details of farmers, farm location, etc.

Case Study: Sahyadri Farmer Producer Company Ltd (SFPCL)

Located in Nashik, Maharashtra, Sahyadri FPO started in 2004 with 10 farmers and has expanded to 26,500 farmers across 252 villages and 31,000 acres.
Annual turnover: Grew from Rs 13 crore (2011-12) to Rs 1,549 crore (2023-24).
Processing & Export:
- Largest grape exporter (90% exported to EU and UAE).
- Strong processing infrastructure, turning tomatoes into ketchup, puree, and sauces.
- Employs over 6,000 people, with 32% being women.
Impact: Farmers receive 55% of the final export price, compared to the usual 30% in traditional markets.

Way Forward

Strengthening Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs):
- Provide institutional support for working capital, infrastructure, and digital integration.
- Leverage platforms like Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to enhance market access.
Reviving and expanding Operation Greens:
- Increase financial allocation to improve processing, storage, and logistics.
Commodity-specific value chain development:
- Develop dedicated infrastructure for key horticultural crops, ensuring at least 10-20% of production is processed.
Promote PPPs:
- Encourage public-private partnerships (PPP) in food processing industries.
- Promote partnerships with retail chains like SAFAL to improve farm-to-market efficiency.
National Fruit and Vegetable Board:
- Establish a board similar to National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to streamline policies, market linkages, and farmer support.
Leveraging technology for Market transparency:
- Implement blockchain for traceability and AI-driven price prediction models to prevent distress sales.
- Expand e-NAM coverage for horticultural produce.

The horticulture sector has immense potential to boost farmer incomes, enhance food security, and strengthen India’s agri-export base. Scaling up successful models like Sahyadri FPO across India can replicate the AMUL success story in fruits and vegetables.

Commodity Boards in India

Context: Recently, the Finance Minister, in her Budget speech, spoke about establishing a Makhana Board in Bihar.

Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Commodity Boards, Facts about Makhana.

Commodity Boards

The Commodity Boards are autonomous bodies under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
Functions of Commodity Boards:
- Provide financial and technical assistance to growers.
- Facilitating trade fairs, branding, and market linkages.
- Promoting research and development for value addition.
- Ensuring remunerative prices for farmers.
- Encourage export and domestic trade.

Existing Commodity Boards

There are five statutory Commodity Boards under the Department of Commerce.

Tea Board:
- Set up in 1954 under the Tea Act, 1953.
- Membership: headed by a Chairman and consists of 30 Members.
- Head Office: Kolkata
- 2 Zonal offices: one each in the North Eastern Region at Jorhat in Assam and in the Southern Region at Coonoor in Tamil Nadu.
- 3 overseas offices: located at London, Moscow and Dubai.
Coffee Board:
- Constituted under Coffee Act, 1942.
- Board comprises 33 Members including the Chairperson, who is the Chief Executive and functions from Bangalore.
Rubber Board:
- Constituted under Rubber Act, 1947
- The board is headed by a Chairman and has 27 members.
- Headquarters: Kottayam, Kerala.
Spices Board:
- Constituted in 1987 under the Spices Board Act, 1986.
- The board is headed by a Chairman and consists of 32 members.
- Head Office: at Kochi, Kerala
- Responsibility: Development of cardamom industry & export promotion of 52 spices listed in the Schedule of Spices Board Act, 1986.
Tobacco Board:
- Constituted in 1976 under the Tobacco Board Act, 1975.
- Headquarters: at Guntur, Andhra Pradesh

Newly Established Boards

National Turmeric Board (2024):
- Headquarters: at Nizamabad, Telangana
- Aims to enhance turmeric production in 20 states.
- Note: Turmeric is also known as ‘Golden Spice’.
Proposed Makhana Board:
- To be established in Bihar.
- Union Budget 2025 emphasised institutional support for Makhana farmers in Bihar.

Important Facts about Makhana (Euryale ferox Salisb.)

Also known as gorgon nut.
Makhana is an aquatic crop cultivated in shallow wetlands.
Bihar produces 85% of India's total Makhana.
Its growth requires a conducive range of air temperature (20-35°C), high humidity (50-90%) and annual rainfall of 100-250 cm.
It is a water intensive crop, needing assured availability of irrigation.
Makhana is classified as a dry fruit although it is a product of an aquaphyte.
Makhana plant has a combination of dicot and monocot characteristics.
Economic significance: Supports 80,000 fishermen families in Bihar.

Bottlenecks in the functioning of Commodity Boards

Stakeholder Representation: Often dominated by public representatives instead of actual farmers.
Autonomy Concerns: Political interference may hinder the effectiveness of the Boards.
Implementation delays: For example, Turmeric Board is yet to be fully operational.

Way Forward

Ensure greater autonomy and farmer representation in decision-making.
Strengthen scientific research for better yield and quality standards.
Boost logistics and supply chain to foster trade into newer markets.
Promote technological advancements for modernizing farming practices.

Deccan High-level Principles on Food Security & Nutrition

Context: G20 Agriculture Ministers' meeting in Hyderabad published the Deccan High-Level Principles of Food Security & Nutrition 2023.

Salient features of Deccan High-Level Principle of Food Security & Nutrition

The Deccan High-Level Principles are based on a mapping exercise report prepared by FAO, World Bank & World Trade Organisation, on the request of G20 Agriculture & Finance Ministers in 2022, to guide efforts in addressing global food insecurity.

Global food security and persistent forms of malnutrition aggravated by climate change, geopolitical tensions and conflicts and other systemic shocks is a collective challenge that necessitates concerted actions to achieve zero hunger under the 2030 Agenda.

Principle 1: Facilitate Humanitarian Assistance to Countries & Populations in Vulnerable Situations
- Increase multisectoral humanitarian aid including actively coordinating efforts to enhance the levels and efficiency of humanitarian food assistance in response to crises & conflicts.
- Develop innovative strategies through policy collaboration to address challenges faced by populations in vulnerable situations.
Principle 2: Enhance Availability & Access to Nutritious Food & Strengthen Food Safety Nets
- Encourage policies & programs targeting sustainable production of food, including supporting net food-importing developing countries.
- Fostering progressive realisation of the right to adequate food for national food security, improve consistent access and availability of safe, affordable, diverse & nutritious food.
- Promote targeted food & cash-based safety net programs sharing best practices with countries in need of effective policy, program design & implementation.
Principle 3: Strengthen Policies & Collaborative Actions for Climate Resilient & Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems
- Strengthen policies and accelerate cooperation for sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources and agricultural inputs to promote sustainable agricultural production and productivity growth.
- Collaborate on developing sustainable, scalable & inclusive technologies, practices & innovations to address climate change and biodiversity loss.
Principle 4: Strengthen Resilience & Inclusivity in Agriculture & Food Value Chains
- Enhance the resilience of value chains at local, regional & global levels to withstand short-run disruptions and shocks by strengthening infrastructure, reducing food losses & waste, developing & implementing risk management policies
- Work together to improve market transparency, timely sharing of reliable information for monitoring the food market & shape consequent policy responses.
- Facilitate, open, fair, predictable & rules-based agriculture & food trade, avoid export restrictions & reduce market distortions, under relevant WTO rules.
Principle 5: Promote the One Health Approach
- Implement the One Health approach by accelerating the global fight against anti-microbial resistance.
- Preventing, reducing & managing the risk of zoonotic diseases and other biological threats to agriculture & food security.
Principle 6: Accelerate Innovation & Use of Digital Technology
- Foster scalable innovations & technologies that support transformation towards sustainable food systems,
- Facilitate affordable and inclusive access to digital infrastructure
- Promote the development & safe application of digital tools tailored to various needs of the agriculture sector.
- Strengthen capacity-building efforts for the adoption and utilisation of technologies & digital solutions to empower all farming communities, including smallholders.
Principle 7: Scale up responsible public & private investments in agriculture
- Encourage responsible investments in all sources of infrastructure
- Research & innovations to support the development of sustainable
- Climate resilient & smart agriculture
- Productivity-enhancing technologies and practices
- Productivity-enhancing technologies and practices
- Diversification of food systems
- Dissemination of technology
- Rural revitalisation and improvement of value chain efficiency
- Promote public-private partnerships to leverage private investment
- Stimulate private sector investment and facilitate access to finance to encourage the participation of youth in agriculture
- Develop complementary businesses.

FSSAI needs an energy shot to regulate processed food

Context: Recently, the social media influencer drawn into the Cadbury’s Bournvita controversy has a supporter. The Nutrition Advocacy in Public Interest — India (NAPi), a think tank working on nutrition policy, has issued a statement saying it stands by him.

What is the controversy?

Revant Himatsingka, who calls himself @foodpharmer on social media, with 1,35,000 followers on Instagram, drew the ire of Mondelez India, the company that owns Bournvita, with his April 1 video in which he flagged the product’s high sugar content.
In January, the NAPi said that a Bournvita advertisement and product packaging was misleading and did not disclose the sugar content.
The organisation has filed a formal complaint with the Department of Consumers Affairs, working under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
It alleges the ads violate the provision of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
However, this has brought to the boil the real issue at hand — the Food Standards and Safety Authority of India (FSSAI) dragging its feet over implementing its own guidelines to regulate packaged and processed food.

Packaging and labelling regulations of FSSAI

As per the food safety and standards (packaging and labelling) regulations, 2011, FSSAI regulations are a complete set of guidelines that all food product brands and manufacturers should abide by. It also inflicts 12 fundamental labelling regulations for any food packaging as given below; –

Food’s name
Ingredients list
Information related to nutrition
Vegetarian or non-vegetarian declaration of food
Food additives used in the declaration
Manufacturer’s name and address
Details for customer care
Quantity
Retail price rate
FSSAI license number and logo
Batch identification number, country of origin, marketing date
Instructions for usage.

What is the permissible limit of sugar content?

The threshold for sugar to avoid warning labels is 6 g per 100 g.
In 2020, the FSSAI looked into 1,306 product samples across 30 food companies, including dairy, confectionery, sweets and snacks. None of the products could meet the requirements.
Hence a panel constituted by FSSAI then proposed increasing the threshold arbitrarily by six times i.e., 36-gram sugar per 100 grams.
Despite this, only 20% of products were found to be meeting the new threshold.

Key Highlights of the Record Output

Drivers Behind the Record Production

Significance of the Record Harvest

About the Directive

About FSSAI

About Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS)

Significance of the Ban

Conclusion

About International Potato Center (CIP)

CIP-South Asia Regional Centre:

Objective of CSARC:

Functions of CSARC:

Significance of CSARC:

Food Processing Sector

Significance of Food Processing Sector:

Budgetary Support for Infrastructure (Union Budget 2024-25)

Spices in India

Current Status of India's Spice Exports

Challenges in Indian Spice Industry

Government & Industry Efforts for Improvement

About Horticulture Sector:

Status of India's Horticulture Sector

Significance of Horticulture Sector for India

Challenges in India’s Horticulture Sector

Initiatives taken

Case Study: Sahyadri Farmer Producer Company Ltd (SFPCL)

Way Forward

Commodity Boards

Existing Commodity Boards

Newly Established Boards

Bottlenecks in the functioning of Commodity Boards

Way Forward

Salient features of Deccan High-Level Principle of Food Security & Nutrition

What is the controversy?

Packaging and labelling regulations of FSSAI

What is the permissible limit of sugar content?

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