How has PM Modi highlighted Chirag Paswan's insights on the food processing industry's transformation?

New Delhi, June 24 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday shared the article by Union Minister Chirag Paswan, which showcased a significant transformation in India's food processing industry over recent years and commended rural entrepreneurs for driving this essential change.

PM Modi utilized his social media platform on X to disseminate an engaging article authored by Union Minister for Food Processing Chirag Paswan. In this piece, Paswan provides an in-depth overview of the major structural shifts implemented by his Ministry, demonstrating how these initiatives have empowered rural champions, allowing them to play a pivotal role in economic advancement.

The Prime Minister also encouraged social media users to explore this enlightening journey.

In his article, the Union Minister shared case studies of various farmers, detailing their evolution from small-scale operations to successful food enterprises.

Highlighting a makhana producer from Bihar, Chirag Paswan noted, "With the assistance of the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme, this makhana producer has established a prosperous food business that now exports to the United States and Canada."

"His narrative embodies the broader vision of India's food processing mission: transforming local assets into global prospects," Chirag Paswan remarked.

He pointed out that until a few years ago, the food processing sector was highly fragmented, plagued by significant post-harvest losses and untapped potential from agricultural products.

"In 2014, the sector's gross value addition was at Rs 134 lakh crore. Today, due to continuous policy efforts and institutional initiatives, this figure has surged to Rs 224 lakh crore," he explained.

Remarkably, the PMFME scheme was inaugurated under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan with a budget of Rs 10,000 crore aimed at empowering informal micro food enterprises through formalization, skill development, and access to financing.

Moreover, the Union Minister articulated, "India's increasing influence in the global food economy is vividly expressed through World Food India - the Ministry's flagship international initiative for investment, innovation, and collaboration. This event is designed to highlight India's strengths along the food processing value chain and has become a trusted platform for global stakeholders to connect with India's agri-food ecosystem."

He also emphasized, "Our objective is clear – to make sure that every shelf around the world features a product that proudly carries the name of India, with each product telling a story of collective success and national pride."

In conclusion, the Union Minister shared the article on X, stating, "Under the visionary leadership of PM Modi, India's food processing sector has experienced a transformative journey - from farm to shelf - empowering our rural champions."