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Key element of Viksit Bharat vision is sustainable development
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Tuesday, 16 December, 2025, 13 : 00 PM [IST]
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Anmolpreet Singh, Dr Neha Bajwa, Jashandeep Kaur & Dr Vikas Gupta
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Viksit Bharat is a plan by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to transform India into a developed nation by 2047, marking the 100th anniversary of India's independence. Government goal of Viksit Bharat 2047 is to make India a developed nation by the year 2047, the nation will be a world power as per plan. Key pillars include using the demographic dividend, developing a prosperous middle class and so on, expanding digital economy and attaining sustainability-oriented economic balance. The guiding policy of the country’s transformation is NITI Aayog acting as the directional map.
A robust food processing industry with advanced processing techniques for minimising waste and augmenting effectiveness is essential. Promoting crop varietal adaptation for assured crops aim of generating better income for farmers boosting export revenue. India has major bottlenecks in its agricultural infrastructure. It is divided and underdeveloped. This leads to absence of storage facilities. Creating storage facilities and other infrastructure leads to problems, lack of transport facilities and huge wastage. Problems with supply chains come about through a poor infrastructure, which can be a very problematic process. Inadequate primary processing, storage, and distribution facilities is key concern. There’s a disconnect between production and assembly and processing specifically due to the lack of processable varieties. Operations have certain peak season but utilisation is ineffective in off season. The supply chain is inhibited by institutional failures. This is seen in dependence on Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) markets. Not enough attention is being paid to quality standards.
The food processing industry in India is largely informal. Above 75% of the sector includes micro and small-scale unorganised units. This makes it difficult to implement and ensure safety standards and regulations in food. Not many companies hire skilled workers for construction jobs. India suffers shortage of trained workforce. This is due to lack of technical education and other causes’ programmes and low salary. The rules and laws applicable to businesses or industries constituting the regulatory environment. The industry of India is fragmented and tough. This can make it challenging for the firms to follow the rules and regulations.
The cost of capital is relatively high in India; it is difficult for businesses to invest new money in technologies and infrastructure. The food processing sector helps the economy a lot. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has been significant. The challenges in Indian food processing industry are wastage, infrastructure, there is insufficient linkage between production and processing primarily due to absence of processable varieties, seasonality of operations, lack of skilled labour regulatory environment, high cost of capital. Over the years, India has improved food grains production. producing the most pulses and milk, as well as a variety of other goods, most notably fruit. Wheat and rice, as well as cereals, vegetable and fruit crops and primary egg production globally increasing agricultural output without investing in processing facilities can hurt farmers’ income and rural distress. Developing strong supply chains that connect farmers to processing and making investments in marketing is crucial. Rural infrastructure such as grading and packing centres, storage facilities, transportation, and testing laboratories key.
By 2047, we hope India’s food processing sector improves the income possibilities of the rural people. By improving the availability of nutritious foods, we can facilitate job creation and minimise food wastage. To add value to India’s export basket, processing of fruits and vegetables must be stepped up.
Current status of the Indian food processing sector
India’s food processing sector is among the most significant worldwide and plays an important role in connecting Indian farmers and foreign and national consumer markets. Within the food processing industry in the registered sector, the 3-Digit NIC Classification accounts for 12.38% total employment, which accumulate roughly 1.93 million people. The unregistered food processing sector also employs as per NSSO, around 51 lakh workers. The primary sectors comprising the Indian food processing industry, which include grains, sugar and edible oils.
A key element of the Viksit Bharat vision is the sustainable development of programmes for climate resilience, and biodiversity. Green energy transition, circular economy ideas and conservation. Still, there are roadblocks that stand in the way of developed India 2047, including that infrastructure, bridging the digital divide, financial inclusion and environmental sustainability. India can use digital economic and Industry 4.0 for achievement of its goals. While enhancing economic efficiency and improving public services, India can be a prosperous, equitable, and harmonious nation. Engaging with the environment through careful planning, including policies, and commitment to sustainable development.
(Singh belongs to University Centre of Excellence in Research, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, Punjab. He can be reached at anmolpreetsingh64978@gmail.com; Dr Bajwa belongs to University Centre of Excellence in Research, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, Punjab. She can be reached at nehabajwa2765@gmail.com; Kaur belongs to University Centre of Excellence in Research, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, Punjab; Gupta belongs to University Centre of Excellence in Research, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, Punjab)
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