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India must transition from food security to nutrition security: Paswan
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Thursday, 19 March, 2026, 14 : 00 PM [IST]
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Our Bureau, New Delhi
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Union Minister for Food Processing Industries,Chirag Paswan, has called for a paradigm shift in India’s food sector, urging the industry to move beyond basic food security toward "nutrition security." Addressing the "NutriBharat 2026" national conference organized by ASSOCHAM, the Minister emphasized that the food processing and nutraceutical sectors must align with the national vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.
“India has successfully moved from food scarcity to food security. The next frontier is ensuring that our future generations are healthy and free from malnutrition,” Paswan stated. He urged stakeholders to develop a comprehensive roadmap with clear milestones for the next one, five, and ten years to unlock the sector's full potential.
A key highlight of the Minister’s address was the uncompromising need for international quality standards. He cautioned that a single rejected consignment at a global port could tarnish the reputation India has built over decades. He called for responsible manufacturing practices and a "zero-compromise" approach to food safety to ensure India emerges as a trusted "Global Food Basket."
The conference focused heavily on the role of functional foods and nutraceuticals in bridging nutritional gaps. Experts, including representatives from the FAO and FSSAI, discussed leveraging India's traditional knowledge systems like Ayurveda alongside modern research. A joint knowledge paper by EY and ASSOCHAM, titled ‘NutriBharat@2047,’ was released, advocating for a “nutrition for all” framework supported by digital traceability and science-based regulations.
Industry leaders highlighted that with a strong agricultural base and growing trade partnerships, India is well-positioned to become a globally competitive hub for processed foods. The Minister concluded by stressing that achieving this vision requires collective responsibility among policymakers, researchers, and industry players to build consumer trust through innovation and quality.
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