Union min Chirag calls on Meghalaya CM Conrad, chairs meet on food sector

Shillong: Union minister of food processing industries Chirag Paswan called on CM Conrad K Sangma at the secretariat here on Thursday and discussed issues related to his ministry and implementation of schemes in Meghalaya.Paswan presided over meetings of a parliamentary consultative committee and National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) Council on Friday to review the food processing sector, including ongoing reforms and policy initiatives.“The NIFTEM Council deliberated on key institutional and policy matters relating to capacity building, research, and strengthening of the food processing ecosystem in the country. Members discussed ways to align institutional frameworks with industry requirements and emerging opportunities in the sector,” an official statement said.Addressing the meetings, the minister emphasised the critical role of food processing in reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing value addition in agri-produce.He highlighted the need to address existing challenges in the sector, including infrastructure gaps, access to finance, and technological constraints.