Indus Food 2026: Jitin Prasada Calls for Scaling Up 40,000 Agro-Processing Units to Power India’s Global Food Ambitions

Greater Noida News (09 January 2026): Indus Food 2026, Asia’s leading food and beverage trade exhibition, opened on a strong global note at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, positioning India as a rising force in food processing, culinary heritage, and agri-exports. The mega event has brought together policymakers, global buyers, exporters, chefs, startups, and industry leaders from India and overseas, reinforcing the country’s growing role in the global food economy.

Against this backdrop, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada inaugurated the World Culinary Heritage Conference 2026, a flagship international platform celebrating traditional cuisines and their economic potential. The inauguration was attended by Fiji’s Minister for Agriculture and Waterways Tomasi Tuabuna, IFCA President Chef Manjit Gill, WorldChefs Vice President Chef Uwe Micheel, Asia Continental Director of WorldChefs Chef Willment Leong, Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) Chairman Mohit Singla, and several eminent national and international dignitaries.

Delivering a detailed address, Jitin Prasada said India’s food sector is rapidly evolving beyond cultural symbolism to become a major engine of trade, growth, and exports. Food today is not just India’s soft power. It is emerging as one of the most important platforms for trade and economic expansion, creating opportunities for exporters, MSMEs, and overseas buyers, he said, adding that Indusfood represents the future of collaboration between chefs, policymakers, importers, and exporters.

Highlighting India’s unmatched diversity, the Minister said the country’s culinary heritage spans thousands of years and reflects its languages, climates, lifestyles, and regional cultures. In India, food has never been only about sustenance. It carries history, culture, and identity. Every 50 kilometres, the cuisine, taste, and traditions change. Much has been explored, but there is still so much more the world needs to discover, he noted, urging international chefs to experience India beyond metropolitan centres.

Jitin Prasada underlined the rapid growth of the food processing sector, stating that India has registered close to 40,000 agro-based processing units. However, he stressed that scale remains the key challenge. Cultural and culinary heritage alone cannot deliver sustainable livelihoods. Unless we scale up processing and build strong revenue models, growth will remain limited. Ensuring that the food processing industry grows by leaps and bounds is one of the government’s core priorities, he said.

The Minister also pointed to global recognition of Indian gastronomy, citing Lucknow’s recent UNESCO designation as a City of Gastronomy as a landmark achievement. He said food-driven tourism is gaining unprecedented traction worldwide. People are now willing to travel across continents for a single authentic flavour. Food creates footfall, drives tourism, and energises local economies, he observed.

Emphasising India’s dominance in spices, Prasada said the country produces over 109 varieties, with at least 60 recognised globally, giving Indian cuisine a distinct competitive edge. He added that Indian restaurants are earning increasing international acclaim, including Michelin star recognition, reflecting rising global confidence in Indian culinary quality.

On trade and policy reforms, the Minister said India has concluded and is negotiating several Free Trade Agreements, particularly with food and agriculture relevance, including those with the UAE and Australia. Our produce now has seamless access to global markets, and buyers from partner countries have easier access to India, he said.

Jitin Prasada highlighted that ease of doing business and ease of living remain central to the government’s vision under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Unnecessary compliances and regulatory burdens are being removed. The red carpet is being rolled out for investment, imports, and exports, he said, adding that India’s 1.4 billion population has transformed from a challenge into the country’s biggest strength. Today’s India is aspirational, quality-conscious, and ready to spend on the best products. If you offer quality, India is a vast and ready market.

During the event, the Minister also attended APEDA’s BHARATI Business Challenge 2026 Cohort Announcement, where the Top 100 startups from 22 states and one Union Territory were unveiled, along with the Top 10 startups showcasing high export readiness and global potential. These startups will receive international market exposure through free participation in overseas trade fairs, with the Minister assuring full government support.

Indus Food 2026 and the World Culinary Heritage Conference together underscore India’s strategy to blend culture, cuisine, commerce, and innovation—positioning food as a key pillar of economic growth and global engagement.

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