Union Minister Chirag Paswan Inaugurates MoFPI-Supported Common Incubation Centre at VNMKV Parbhani to Empower Food Processing Startups

Parbhani, June 28, 2026: Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Shri Chirag Paswan inaugurated an advanced Common Incubation Centre (CIC) at the College of Food Technology, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), Parbhani, under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, with support from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) and collaboration with state agencies.

The event also featured a special interaction session at the Golden Jubilee Convocation Hall, attended by Minister of State Smt. Meghana Tai Bordikar, Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Indra Mani, and several MPs, IAS, and IPS officers.

In his address, Shri Chirag Paswan highlighted the importance of food processing in boosting farmers’ income and strengthening India’s agriculture-based economy. He said India has achieved self-reliance in food production but must now focus on value addition to agricultural produce to increase profitability and reduce wastage.

He emphasized that small farmers often face storage challenges, forcing distress sales, and stressed the need for better processing and storage infrastructure. He also encouraged youth to become job creators through entrepreneurship in the food processing sector.

The Minister praised Maharashtra’s performance under the PMFME Scheme and stressed the need for organic farming, quality standards, and globally competitive “Made in India” products. He said reducing food wastage through processing is essential for sustainable growth.

Calling students to uphold quality and innovation, he said long-term success depends on consistency and excellence. He reaffirmed that India has the potential to become the “food bank of the world” through strong agricultural and processing systems.