The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) inaugurated AAHAR 2025 on 4 March at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Union Minister Chirag Paswan emphasised the vision: “Every dining table in the world should have at least one Made-in-India food product.” This initiative aims to expand food processing, ensuring Indian flavours reach global markets.
Journey to World Food India 2025
AAHAR 2025 marks the beginning of the journey towards World Food India 2025, scheduled from 25-28 September 2025. This global food summit aims to showcase India’s food processing capabilities and attract international collaborations.
Technical Sessions: Innovations and Safety
MoFPI, in collaboration with NIFTEM-Kundli, organised technical sessions during AAHAR 2025. These sessions brought together experts from government, academia, start-ups, and industry to discuss innovations in food processing, machinery, packaging, safety, and regulatory frameworks.
Emphasis on Food Safety and Quality
Dr. Subrata Gupta, Secretary of MoFPI, highlighted the importance of educating farmers on the dangers of chemical contaminants. He stressed that sustainable chemical use in agriculture directly impacts food safety. Dr. Gupta also noted the industry’s adoption of advanced technologies, such as rapid testing kits and digital traceability, to bolster food safety.
NIFTEM-K’s Role in Technological Advancement
Dr. Harinder Singh Oberoi, Director of NIFTEM-K, underscored the need for a transparent, technology-driven food system. He advocated for leveraging emerging technologies like Blockchain, IoT, and AI to revolutionise compliance monitoring and quality assurance. Dr. Oberoi emphasised continuous knowledge exchange and industry collaborations to protect public health and build consumer trust.
Panel Discussions: Future of Food Start-ups
A panel discussion titled “Fuelling Growth: The Future of Food Start-ups and Innovation,” moderated by Dr. Jagdeep Marahar of Nestlé R&D Centre, provided insights into opportunities and challenges in the industry. The discussion highlighted the importance of passion-driven entrepreneurship, strategic industry collaboration, and government support in building a thriving ecosystem for food start-ups.
Advancements in Food Processing and Packaging
On Day 1, a panel discussion on “Innovations in Food Processing, Machinery, and Packaging,” moderated by Dr. V. Palanimuthu, Director of NIFTEM-T, explored advancements in automated food processing, smart packaging, and sustainable machinery. The panel examined how cutting-edge technologies can enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve food safety.
Navigating Regulatory Frameworks
Another session, chaired by Dr. Anandharamkrishnan, Director of CSIR-NIIST, Kerala, addressed the complexities of India’s food regulatory landscape. The discussion covered strategies for effective compliance, recent policy updates, and the role of technology in simplifying regulatory processes.
Key Outcomes of AAHAR 2025
- Strengthened alignment of regulatory standards with global best practices.
- Enhanced focus on technological innovations in food safety and processing.
- Promotion of sustainable practices in food processing and packaging.
- Encouragement of collaborations among government, industry, and academia.
These outcomes aim to position India as a global leader in food processing and safety, ensuring that “Made-in-India” food products meet international standards and reach dining tables worldwide.
