India Must Shift Focus From Rice Production to Value Addition and Traceability, Says Union Minister Chirag Paswan

Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan has called for increased value addition, research, and technological innovation within India's rice sector. Speaking at the Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2026 in New Delhi, Paswan stated that while the country has established a strong production base, it must now prioritize product quality, traceability, and sustainability to enhance its standing in international markets.

Highlighting India's substantial market share, Paswan noted that the country accounts for nearly 40 percent of global rice trade. He stressed that having high production volumes must now be matched by an emphasis on product diversification and higher-value agricultural output. Strengthening exports requires a concerted focus on research, quality improvement, and the cross-border exchange of technology.

The minister also addressed the domestic manufacturing ecosystem, urging the rice industry to evaluate how machinery and technology utilized across the entire value chain—from initial paddy cultivation to final processing—can be produced locally. Such a shift would align with national manufacturing objectives and minimize reliance on imported machinery.

Discussing the broader economic roadmap, Paswan stated that the food processing sector will play a critical role in India's goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. He observed that while historical efforts rightly focused on boosting food output during periods of shortage, the current phase requires a strategic pivot toward processing and value creation. He acknowledged that the food processing industry has historically received less emphasis than necessary.

The government's overarching objective is to establish India as a global food basket capable of fulfilling domestic demand while supplying international markets, Paswan noted. He added that trade agreements can serve as vital instruments for local businesses seeking to scale exports and acquire international best practices and technology.

Concluding his address, Paswan invited the organizers of the three-day BIRC 2026 event—which brings together farmers, exporters, industry delegates, and researchers—to share their formal discussions, suggestions, and policy recommendations directly with his ministry to support targeted sector growth.

"India's agricultural sector has long excelled at sheer production volumes, but the real economic value lies further down the supply chain. Minister Paswan's focus on processing, traceability, and domestic machinery manufacturing highlights critical areas where agribusiness startups and MSMEs can innovate. For entrepreneurs and investors looking at the food processing and agritech space, building solutions around quality control, sustainable processing, and supply chain transparency will open significant doors in global markets." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes