Food processing sector grew 20-fold in the last decade, 25 crore Indians overcame poverty: PM Modi

PM Modi on Thursday said India’s food processing sector has expanded 20 times in the last 10 years, crediting Central government initiatives like the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme and mega food parks for the rapid growth.

"The government is promoting food processing sector. PLI scheme and mega food parks boosted growth. India is consistently contributing to global food security," he said while addressing the inauguration of World Food India 2025 at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi.

PM Modi further noted that in the same period, 25 crore Indians have overcome poverty and joined the neo-middle class, which he described as the country’s most aspirational and energetic segment.


“In the past 10 years, 25 crore people in India have overcome poverty. They have now become part of the neo-middle class. The neo-middle class is the most aspirational and energetic segment of our country. This aspiring class is driving our growing demand,” he said.


Moreover, calling India the world’s most attractive destination for investment in food and agriculture, the PM said that the country is home to the third-largest start-up ecosystem, many of which operate in food and agri-tech.

“Today, India has the world's third-largest start-up ecosystem. Many of these start-ups operate in the food and agriculture sectors. Our start-ups are transforming supply chains, retail, and processing. India has diversity, demand, and innovation. All of these factors make India the most attractive destination for investment,” he added.

The prime minister underlined india’s unique strength of diversity, demand, and scale, stressing that the country produces every grain, fruit, and vegetable, while food preferences change every 100 km. This diversity, he said, coupled with strong consumer demand, provides the country a competitive edge in the global food sector.

“World Food India has become a platform of new contacts, connections, and creativity,” PM Modi remarked, adding that the summit this year is focusing on nutrition, reducing oil consumption, and making packaged products healthier.