Andhra Pradesh Food Processing Minister T G Bharath told the audience at FICCI Foodworld 2026 in Vijayawada that technology will shape the future of India's food processing industry.
Speaking before industry leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and experts, the Minister said innovation, digital transformation, and value addition are key to improving India's food ecosystem.
The event was used to discuss the latest trends in food processing, agriculture, supply chain management, exports, and sustainable manufacturing. In his address, Bharath said the food processing sector has become one of the key pillars supporting India’s agricultural economy by reducing wastage, increasing farmers’ income, and creating employment opportunities.
There are technological advancements in artificial intelligence, automation, precision agriculture, smart packaging, blockchain-based traceability, and digital supply chain solutions that will transform the way food is produced, processed, and delivered to consumers.
The minister said the implementation of such innovations will result in better quality of products, food safety, and the competitive marketability of Indian food products in the international market.
Bharath stressed Andhra Pradesh’s commitment to being a destination for food processing investments. The state government, he said, is actively promoting industries through investor-friendly policies, infrastructure development, and support of food processing parks and cold chain networks.
He said reducing post-harvest losses is one of the major challenges for the agricultural sector. We can still create the best and worst scenario to reduce post-harvest losses by using advanced processing technologies and investing in better storage facilities, making farming more efficient so that farmers can continue to obtain a good quality product at a better price for their goods in the market.
Sustainability was another key theme of his speech. Bharath told food manufacturers to develop sustainable production techniques and to use water wisely, renewable energy to produce food, and waste reduction practices for sustainable foods.
Sustainable production is no longer an option for long-term growth and global competitiveness; sustainable manufacturing is an imperative, he said.
Food industry representatives at FICCI Foodworld 2026 discussed opportunities in food exports, value-added agricultural products, digital transformation, food safety standards, and consumer-led innovation. Experts also pondered how new technologies can be used to respond to changing consumer preferences and to ensure high quality and regulatory compliance.
Mr @tgbharath, Hon'ble Minister for Industries, Commerce & Food Processing, Government of Andhra Pradesh, and Mr Avinash Joshi, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, GoI, along with other dignitaries, released the FICCI-Deloitte Knowledge Report on the theme, 'STEP… pic.twitter.com/iNR5pAeIdt
— FICCI (@ficci_india) July 16, 2026
The minister also noted that collaboration between government, private companies, research institutions, and startups was crucial for the sector to develop faster. Entrepreneurship should be encouraged by the minister in order to invest in next-gen food processing technologies and produce products that both meet domestic and export demand.
Andhra Pradesh aims to be a major hub for investment, manufacturing, and exports as we see a growing food processing industry in India. Bharath has confidence in the next stage of growth based on technological innovation, trained manpower, and strong public-private partnerships.
The industry's emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation at FICCI Foodworld 2026 was reflected in the discussions.
With supportive government policies and investment in modern infrastructure, experts believe India’s food processing industry is well-positioned to play a huge role in economic growth, food security, and global trade in the years ahead.
