TFP Bureau, Raipur, November 24, 2025: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai held a detailed meeting with Union Minister for Food and Consumer Affairs Shri Chirag Paswan in New Delhi today, focusing on expanding food processing capabilities, strengthening food security, and creating new economic opportunities in Chhattisgarh’s agriculture-based sectors. The discussions covered institutional development, industrial investment, food safety systems, and national-level events aimed at elevating the state’s presence in the food and agri-innovation landscape.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Shri Sai urged the Union Minister to consider setting up a campus of the National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) in Chhattisgarh. He noted that the institute would provide world-class training in food technology and entrepreneurship while supporting thousands of students, farmers, and food industry stakeholders. He emphasized that the state’s strong agricultural base, particularly in paddy and horticulture, makes it an ideal location for such an institution.
Union Minister Shri Chirag Paswan welcomed the proposal and assured all possible support, stating that the matter would be examined with seriousness.
The Chief Minister also proposed hosting a regional edition of World Food India in Raipur. Citing the city’s rich culinary culture, strategic connectivity, and diverse food traditions, he said that such a summit would spotlight Chhattisgarh on the global food innovation map and attract investment to local agro-based enterprises. He suggested organizing the festival every two years, similar to the model followed by World Food India in New Delhi and the North East Food Festival in Guwahati.
Shri Sai informed the Union Minister that the state plans to establish a food testing laboratory and a food irradiation unit to enhance the quality, safety, and shelf life of food products. He sought central support for these projects, noting that they would help local producers tap national and international markets.
Highlighting the state’s focus on agro-industrial growth, he said that large-scale investments in paddy- and fruit–vegetable–based industries will provide significant benefits to farmers, women’s self-help groups, and rural communities. He pointed out that under the state’s new industrial policy, special incentives have been offered to food processing units. As part of these efforts, ‘Drools’ is investing ₹1,000 crore in Chhattisgarh—an initiative expected to create around 3,000 jobs while promoting inclusive development among rural and tribal populations.
The Chief Minister also reiterated the state’s ambition to transform Chhattisgarh into a major rice bran oil hub, reducing the country’s dependence on imported edible oils and contributing to the national mission of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. He said that such coordinated initiatives would help shape an Aatmanirbhar Chhattisgarh and support the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Senior officials present at the meeting included the Chief Minister’s Principal Secretary Shri Subodh Kumar Singh, Secretary Shri Rahul Bhagat, and Investment Commissioner Smt. Ritu Sen.
