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Food processing pivots for growth under Viksit Bharat 2047
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Friday, 09 January, 2026, 15 : 00 PM [IST]
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Nandita Vijayasimha, Bengaluru
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The Indian food processing industry views Viksit Bharat 2047 as the pivotal framework guiding the Union government’s ambition to transform the nation into a self-reliant and prosperous economy by 2047, coinciding with the country’s 100th year of Independence. Anchored in economic growth, technological upgradation, infrastructure development, social empowerment and sustainability, the programme sets clear and measurable criteria for national transformation. Within this broader vision, food processing assumes strategic importance.
The Viksit Bharat 2047 roadmap for the sector focuses on increasing its contribution to overall GVA, boosting exports and generating employment by modernising the industry and strengthening farmer-market linkages. Central to this transformation are investments in infrastructure, promotion of innovation, emphasis on sustainability and a shift toward value-added products, with the sector projected to reach a US$2.15 trillion valuation by 2047. The intent is to reduce post-harvest losses, enhance farmer incomes and transition the rural economy toward higher value addition through processed food goods.
Chetan L. Hanchate, director & CEO, Centre for Processed Foods (CPF) said, ”Agro.food processing industry landscape has the potential to grow. This is an age of urbanisation, rising incomes, and busy lifestyles dual or triple income homes where time is strapped for preparing home cooked food. Here demand for convenience, quality, ready to eat, ready to cook, ready to serve and ready to drink take the table.”
He added, “Viksit Bharat will now accelerate the growth of the food processing sector. With the onset of Covid pandemic, there is huge interest for healthy foods that has taken centre-stage. Consumers actively seek functional foods and ingredients perceived to boost the immune system, such as those rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin D, zinc, and probiotics. Since then there is a stronger preference for natural, organic, and minimally processed foods, with consumers paying closer attention to ingredient lists and nutritional information.”
Meanwhile, Gaurav Manchanda, founder & director, The Organic World, pointed out, & For India to achieve its 2047 Viksit Bharat vision, the food processing sector must embrace a future anchored in purity, sustainability and unwavering consumer trust.”
“At The Organic World, we see this transformation being driven by regenerative farming practices, responsible sourcing and clean, transparent processing that prioritises both people and the planet. Strengthening traceability and eliminating harmful additives will be critical to restoring confidence in what we consume. This transformation is not just about building stronger businesses, it is about enabling healthier citizens, empowering farmers and securing India’s long-term food resilience,” added Manchanda.
Rajat Diwakar, CEO India, iD Fresh Food, stated firmly, India’s food processing sector is at a pivotal moment, where consumers are increasingly seeking transparency, freshness and clean-label products. We believe the future will be defined by blending the authenticity of traditional foods with the precision and trust of modern, technology-led manufacturing. Scaling minimally processed, preservative-free staples through sustainable operations and stronger cold-chain networks will be essential in shaping this next phase of growth. Our vision is to make honest, nutritious food the everyday choice for every household, where purity, convenience and trust are not ideals, but the industry standard. In this direction lies the foundation of India’s long-term food transformation.”
The country’s food processing is experiencing rapid growth, driven by robust infrastructure and a diverse array of agricultural produce. Key factors contributing to this expansion include the enhancement of storage facilities, particularly with advanced cold storage and warehousing solutions, which help reduce post-harvest losses. Major players in the sector such as ITC, Britannia, Parle, MTR, Gits, iD Fresh, PepsiCo India, KRBL, LT Foods, Mondelez India, Venky’s, Suguna, and Nestlé have played pivotal roles in this development, showcasing the sector’s potential and the benefits of innovation and investment.
India’s diverse availability of grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, and seafood provides a solid foundation for a wide range of processed food products, giving the country a competitive edge in the food processing sector. As the largest producer of milk and spices, and one of the top producers of fruits, vegetables, poultry, and meat, India holds a significant position in global food production. The country is ranked second in the world for fruit and vegetable cultivation. Additionally, the rising demand for organic and health-conscious foods is further driving the industry’s growth, creating new opportunities for innovation and expansion.
The growth of the food processing industry has become a central focus due to its significant impact on economic development, employment, and food security. It acts as a critical link between farm and consumer, adding value to agricultural produce and driving innovation across the entire food sector. Increase the food processing sectors contribution to the gross value-added (GVA) to approximately 7.2% and reaching US$700 billion in exports of agricultural and processed foods by 2047 has seen the sector creating jobs in both registered and unregistered sectors, particularly in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. The current growth of the sector is an estimated US$2 trillion by 2047, from its current size of about US$2.15 billion by 2047. Food processing companies and the government are looking at strategic pillars for development.
Efforts are on to develop robust infrastructure to support the food processing industry. Progressive policy initiatives and schemes like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme and the PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme have provided a major boost to investment and modernisation. The Central and State Governments have introduced a range of incentives, including tax breaks, subsidies, and grants for food processing ventures, creating a more favourable business environment. These efforts, along with simplified regulations, are designed to encourage investment and make it easier for companies to enter and expand in the food processing sector.
In an age of unpredictable weather changes, the industry is implementing climate-smart technologies and focus on nutrition-focused products.In order to drive innovation, fostering entrepreneurship and supporting micro- enterprises within the sector is seen. Adoption of advanced food-tech, and promote a ‘Make in India’ are on. The key intent is to integrate into global markets and enhance India’s role in global agricultural trade. Several moves to bring food from the farm to the fork are on. Also, efforts are on to connect farmers to expanding domestic and global markets to enhance their incomes. A robust food processing sector ensures better value realisation and wider market opportunities for farmers, leading to increased incomes.
Attention to minimise post-harvest losses through better processing and preservation methods. Increase the proportion of value-added products in the export portfolio and implement science-led technology across the value chain of agriculture and food processing are visible.
India is the largest producer of milk and spices and one of the leading producers of fruits and vegetables, poultry, and meat. APEDA has launched the Bharat Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement and Incubation for Export Enablement (BHARATI) initiative to empower 100 agri-food and agri-tech startups, foster innovation, improve export readiness and help India achieve Rs 4,28,450 crore in agri-food exports of its scheduled products by 2030.
The Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI) offers Rs?10,900 crore to incentivise food manufacturing, promote innovative SME (small medium enterprise) products, and boost Indian brands globally. According to the Viksit Bharat@2047 report, India’s food processing sector will grow significantly, reaching US$1,100 billion by FY35, US$1,500 billion by FY40, US$1,900 billion by FY45, and US$2,150 billion by FY47. Improving the livelihoods of farmers and strengthening their role in making the country a food basket will accelerate the pace of agriculture and food processing towards the growth trajectory of Viksit Bharat.
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