by Agrisnip Reporter | Jul 23, 2026 | Agri News, Food
For decades, India’s biggest agricultural achievement was producing enough food to feed its growing population. Today, that mission is largely accomplished. The country’s new challenge is creating more value from every harvest. Instead of exporting raw produce or selling unprocessed crops, India now has the opportunity to strengthen food processing, reduce post-harvest losses, and increase farmers’ earnings.
Union Food Processing Industries Minister Chirag Paswan believes the future of Indian agriculture lies not in producing more edible products, but in transforming it into high-value products that can compete in domestic and global markets while generating rural jobs and driving economic growth.
India Must Move Beyond Food Security
India’s agricultural sector has transformed dramatically over the past few decades. From overcoming food shortages to becoming one of the world’s largest producers of cereals, fruits, vegetables, milk, and spices, the country has established a strong foundation for food security.
However, a substantial share of agricultural produce continues to be sold without processing, limiting income opportunities for farmers and resulting in post-harvest losses.
According to Chirag Paswan, the next phase of agricultural growth should focus on converting raw produce into value-added products such as packaged stuffs , ready-to-eat items, fruit concentrates, dairy products, frozen vegetables, and processed grains.
Such products not only command higher prices but also have longer shelf lives, making them suitable for domestic retail markets and international exports. Strengthening processing infrastructure will help farmers capture more value from every harvest while making India’s food supply chain more efficient and competitive.
Processing Can Transform Rural Economies
Expanding the food processing sector could become a powerful driver of rural economic development. Processing units established closer to farming regions reduce transportation costs, minimize wastage, and create employment opportunities in packaging, storage, logistics, quality testing, and marketing.
This generates income beyond farming and supports the growth of local businesses. Paswan stressed that improving market access remains equally important. Better connectivity between farmers, processors, retailers, and exporters can ensure that producers receive fair prices while consumers gain access to quality food products.
Government initiatives supporting micro food processing enterprises, modern infrastructure, and entrepreneurship are already helping strengthen this ecosystem. As more farmers become part of organized value chains, India’s agricultural sector can become more resilient and profitable.
A Strategic Opportunity for India’s Global Food Ambitions
India’s vast agricultural production offers a strong platform to become a leading exporter of processed food products. Global demand is steadily increasing for packaged foods, organic products, convenience foods, and premium agricultural goods.
By investing in modern processing technologies, cold chain infrastructure, quality certification, and export-oriented manufacturing, India can significantly expand its presence in international food markets. The minister’s vision reflects a broader transition from simply producing enough food to maximizing its economic value.
Greater value addition can increase farmer incomes, reduce food wastage, strengthen rural industries, and improve export competitiveness. As India works towards becoming a developed economy, food processing is expected to play a crucial role in building a more sustainable and high-value agricultural sector that benefits both producers and consumers.
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Conclusion
India’s journey from overcoming food shortages to becoming food self-reliant marks one of its greatest development successes. However, the next phase of agricultural growth will depend on how effectively the country converts its abundant harvest into high-value food products. Strengthening food processing, modern storage, cold chain infrastructure, and market linkages can help reduce wastage, boost exports, and improve farmers’ incomes.
As highlighted by Union Minister Chirag Paswan, value addition is no longer an option but a necessity. By focusing on processing and innovation, India can build a more resilient agricultural economy while creating sustainable employment and strengthening its position in the global food market.
by Agrisnip Reporter | Jul 6, 2026 | Agri News, Food
India’s transition towards a circular and low-carbon economy is gaining momentum, with innovative partnerships driving sustainable change in the agriculture sector. In a significant development, Purabi Dairy, the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), and Suzuki R&D Centre India have joined forces to establish a compressed biogas (CBG) plant in Assam.
The initiative aims to convert dairy and agricultural waste into clean energy and organic fertiliser, creating environmental and economic value simultaneously. Beyond renewable energy production, the project is expected to strengthen rural livelihoods, improve waste management, and support India’s broader sustainability and climate goals.
A Landmark Partnership for Clean Energy and Rural Development
Assam has taken a significant step towards sustainable agriculture and renewable energy with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Purabi Dairy, the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), and Suzuki R&D Centre India Pvt. Ltd. (SRDI).
Through this partnership, a compressed biogas (CBG) plant will be developed to process livestock and agricultural residues into clean energy and nutrient-rich organic fertiliser. The initiative will be implemented by North East Dairy and Foods Limited (NEDFL), the joint venture behind the Purabi Dairy brand.
Under the MoU, NDDB will offer technical guidance and institutional assistance for the project, whereas Suzuki R&D Centre India will make the necessary investment and utilise the carbon credits generated through the plant’s emission reduction efforts. This collaboration demonstrates how public institutions and private industry can work together to create environmentally responsible solutions while strengthening the rural economy.
How the Compressed Biogas Plant Will Benefit Assam
The proposed CBG plant will convert cattle dung and agricultural residues into compressed biogas, a renewable fuel that can replace conventional fossil fuels in transport and industrial applications. Besides producing clean energy, the plant will generate nutrient-rich organic fertiliser as a valuable by-product, encouraging sustainable farming and improving soil health.
Scientific waste management will reduce methane emissions that would otherwise be released from decomposing organic waste, helping mitigate climate change. Dairy farmers are also expected to gain an additional income stream by supplying cattle waste, creating a circular economy where agricultural by-products become valuable resources rather than environmental liabilities.
The initiative supports India’s broader clean energy goals while promoting responsible waste utilisation, lower carbon emissions, and increased resource efficiency across Assam’s dairy and agriculture sectors.
A Model for India’s Green and Circular Economy
The Assam project reflects a growing trend of integrating renewable energy with agriculture to create long-term environmental and economic value. Suzuki has already partnered with NDDB on several biogas projects in Gujarat, and the Assam initiative expands this successful model to India’s Northeast.
Apart from supporting the transition to cleaner energy sources, the project is anticipated to boost rural incomes, encourage sustainable agricultural practices through the use of organic fertilisers, and reinforce the dairy sector’s value chain by making better use of agricultural and livestock waste. It also aligns with India’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while promoting sustainable rural development.
As demand for cleaner fuels continues to rise, projects like this demonstrate how agricultural waste can become a strategic resource for energy production. If successfully implemented, the Purabi Dairy-NDDB-Suzuki collaboration could serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives across other dairy-producing states, accelerating India’s transition towards a greener, more resilient, and circular agricultural economy.
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Conclusion
The Assam initiative highlights the increasing focus on combining renewable energy solutions with the agricultural sector to deliver lasting environmental and economic benefits. Building on its previous collaborations with NDDB for biogas projects in Gujarat, Suzuki is now extending this approach to Northeast India.
The project represents an effort to replicate a proven model that promotes efficient waste management, clean energy production, and sustainable rural development in a new region. It also reinforces the role of collaborative public-private initiatives in advancing sustainable agriculture and supporting India’s climate commitments.
As the country continues to invest in circular economy solutions, this Assam-based project has the potential to become a scalable model for other states, demonstrating how agricultural waste can be transformed into a valuable resource that benefits farmers, the environment, and the broader economy.
by Agrisnip Reporter | May 5, 2026 | Agri News, Food
Next time you pick up a milk packet, pause for a second. Those colours are not random. They quietly tell you exactly what you’re about to drink
If you’ve ever stood in front of a dairy shelf wondering why milk packets come in different colors, you’re not alone. In India, the blue, green, and orange packaging is actually a simple coding system designed to help consumers quickly identify the type of milk based on its fat content.
At its core, this color system is about clarity and ease. Instead of reading detailed labels every time, you can rely on color cues to make a quick and informed choice. This becomes especially useful in busy daily routines where convenience matters. Over time, this system has become widely understood and trusted by consumers.
Whether you are buying milk for tea, health reasons, or cooking, these colors act like a shortcut to better decisions without confusion. The system also aligns with broader food safety and labeling practices guided by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, which ensures that dairy products meet defined quality and composition standards.
Blue: Toned
Blue packets represent toned milk, which typically contains around 3% fat. This type of milk is created by adding skimmed milk to whole milk, reducing the fat content while keeping essential nutrients like protein and calcium intact.
It is considered a balanced option for everyday use, especially for families who consume milk regularly in tea, coffee, or breakfast cereals. Toned packet offers a good mix of nutrition and lightness, making it suitable for both adults and children.
It is neither too heavy nor too light, which is why it has become one of the most commonly consumed milk types in Indian households. For people who want to maintain a moderate fat intake without compromising on daily nutrition, toned milk is often the preferred and practical choice.
Green: Double Toned
Green packets indicate double toned packet , which usually contains about 1.5% fat, making it one of the lowest-fat options available in the market. This milk is processed further to reduce fat content while still preserving important nutrients like calcium and protein.
It is especially suitable for individuals who are mindful of calorie intake or managing health conditions such as cholesterol or heart-related concerns. Despite being lighter, it still supports basic nutritional needs, which makes it a smart choice for health-conscious consumers.
Double toned milk is also easier to digest for some people and works well in daily beverages like tea or coffee. For those aiming for a lighter diet without completely cutting off milk, this option provides a good balance between health and habit.
Orange: Full Cream
Orange packets stand for full cream milk, which generally contains around 6% or more fat, making it the richest and most energy-dense variety. This type of milk retains its natural fat content, giving it a thicker consistency and a more indulgent taste.
It is often recommended for children, growing teenagers, and individuals who require higher energy intake. Full cream milk is also widely used in cooking, especially for making sweets, desserts, curd, and other dairy-based dishes where richness matters.
While it offers great taste and energy, it may not be ideal for those who are trying to limit fat intake. However, in the right quantity, it plays an important role in providing nourishment, especially in households where milk is a key part of the diet.
Why This Color Coding Matters
This color-coded system is more than just a visual difference. It simplifies the way people understand and choose milk based on their dietary needs. In a country where milk is a daily essential, not everyone has the time or habit of reading nutritional labels in detail. Colors make this process faster and more accessible.
It also helps maintain consistency across different brands, so consumers don’t have to relearn choices each time they switch products. Backed by regulatory frameworks like those set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, such practices promote transparency and consumer awareness. Over time, this system builds better understanding of fat content and encourages more mindful consumption.
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Conclusion:
Milk packet colors in India are more than just packaging choices. They serve as a quick and effective guide to understanding what kind of milk you are buying. Once you know what blue, green, and orange represent, choosing the right milk becomes simple and intuitive. It’s a small detail, but one that helps you make smarter, more informed choices every day.
by Shahu Pawar | Oct 4, 2025 | Editors Pick, Farming, Food
India has achieved a landmark in agriculture, registering an all-time high foodgrain output of 353.96 million tonnes for the 2024-25 season. This record includes 117.51 million tonnes of wheat and 149.07 million tonnes of rice, marking substantial growth over the previous year and reflecting the resilience of Indian farmers and advances in farm practices.
Central Role of Storage Infrastructure
With rising demand for both raw and processed food, robust storage systems are essential for year-round supply, food security, and preventing wastage. Modern warehouses, steel silos, and cold storage facilities—supported by dedicated government schemes—are enhancing the ability to maintain buffer stocks and facilitate stable supply through the Public Distribution System. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) and State agencies currently possess 917.83 lakh metric tonnes of covered and CAP storage capacity for central pool grains, complemented by 8,815 cold storage units with a collective capacity of 40.21 million metric tonnes for perishables.
Digital Transformation and Decentralized Storage
Decentralized storage solutions continue to expand, with the registration of 5,937 new Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and the computerization of over 73,000 PACS as of June 2025. An additional outlay of ₹2,516 crore has been approved to further digitize PACS operations, boosting efficiency, transparency, and record-keeping throughout the agricultural supply chain.
Driving Agricultural Prosperity and Nutrition Security
Efficient and scientific storage—including bulk handling steel silos—helps minimize post-harvest losses and links farms to wider markets, empowering farmers to realize better returns. This infrastructure plays a critical role in supporting the food processing industry and ensuring nutritious food reaches every household. As production volumes hit historic highs, these advancements remain central to India’s commitment to food security and economic growth.
India’s focus on modernizing storage and supply chain management is transforming its agricultural landscape, enabling both greater prosperity for farmers and robust nutrition security for the nation.
by Team Agrisnip | Jun 21, 2025 | Agri News, Food, Import / Export
Introduction:
Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to roll back the Centre’s recent decision to reduce import duty on crude palm oil (CPO) by 10%. He warned that this move could severely affect farmer incomes and derail the country’s edible oil self-reliance efforts.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has raised strong objections to the Central Government’s decision to reduce import duty on crude palm oil (CPO) by 10%, calling it a setback for Indian oil palm growers. In a formal letter submitted to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on June 20, 2025, Naidu urged for an immediate rollback of the policy.
The Centre’s decision, notified on May 30, comes at a crucial time—right in the middle of the oil palm plantation season. Naidu warned that the timing of the duty cut could lower the market price of domestic palm oil, demoralising existing growers and discouraging new farmers from entering this high-potential sector.
“This decision may seem helpful in the short term, but it undermines the long-term vision of India’s edible oil self-sufficiency under the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP),” the CM stated.
Andhra Pradesh is at the forefront of India’s oil palm revolution, accounting for over 50% of the total cultivated area, with 1.74 lakh farmers across 2.49 lakh hectares. Between 2021 and 2025, the state has covered 67,727 hectares and aims to add another 50,000 hectares this year under the NMEO-OP.
Naidu pointed out that Andhra Pradesh has been proactive in promoting oil palm cultivation by offering incentives, building infrastructure, and using AI-powered tools to support farmers. “Decisions like this could break the trust that has been built over the years with our farmers,” he warned.
The letter was submitted in person by a TDP delegation led by MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayulu and Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu, highlighting the state’s deep concern over national policy decisions that could undo years of progress in oil palm farming.
With stakes high for farmer income and the success of India’s edible oil mission, the ball is now in the Centre’s court to decide whether economic stability for growers will take precedence over short-term import cost management.
by Team Agrisnip | May 28, 2025 | Agri News, Food, Import / Export
Bengaluru, June 9, 2025
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today unveiled an ambitious vision for India’s agricultural future, announcing the Centre’s resolute goal to transform the nation into the “food basket of the world.” Addressing a gathering of farmers at the ICAR-IIHR campus in Hessarghatta, on the outskirts of Bengaluru, as part of the ongoing Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, Minister Chouhan emphasized that India’s agricultural aspirations now extend far beyond merely feeding its own 145 crore citizens.
To achieve this monumental objective, the Union Government plans to forge strong collaborations with State Governments, agricultural universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), farmers, and scientists. This collective effort will culminate in a comprehensive roadmap designed to bolster agricultural productivity, innovation, and global competitiveness. The Minister highlighted that the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan initiative is intrinsically aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s overarching vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (developed India) by the year 2047, underscoring the campaign’s core motto of ensuring holistic development of the agriculture sector nationwide.
A cornerstone of this strategy is the recently launched ‘Lab to Land’ initiative, a massive outreach program involving over 16,000 scientists. These experts are actively engaging with farmers across the country, providing crucial scientific knowledge, best practices, and direct support. Minister Chouhan shared impressive statistics, revealing that in just the last ten days, 1,896 teams have interacted with approximately 9 lakh farmers across 8,188 villages. In Karnataka alone, more than 70 interdisciplinary teams, comprising scientists and officials from agriculture and allied departments, are visiting farms daily. These teams are diligently recording direct feedback from farmers, which will be instrumental in shaping need-based, problem-oriented agricultural research programs. So far, 639 such teams have visited 2,495 villages in Karnataka, reaching out to 2,77,264 farmers.
Minister Chouhan articulated that the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan envisions a unified approach encapsulated by the motto ‘One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team’. To ensure farmers receive fair prices for their hard-earned produce, the Centre has pledged to bear the transportation costs of agricultural produce under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS). The event also served as a platform to honor excellence in agriculture, with Minister Chouhan felicitating seven outstanding farmers from Karnataka: Ratnamma, Gopal Gowda, Padmini Gowda, H.K. Raghu, Mangalamma, Mahesh H.N., and Sreenivas, acknowledging their significant contributions to the state’s agricultural landscape.
