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New Delhi, November 24, 2025: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai today met with Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan at his office in New Delhi today and held a constructive and fruitful discussion on several public interest issues concerning the state.
Chief Minister Sai specifically drew the attention of the Union Minister to important issues related to food security, agriculture-based industries, and the food processing sector in the state.
Sai urged Paswan to establish the National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) in Chhattisgarh to provide the state’s youth with high-level training in modern food technology, entrepreneurship, and new employment opportunities.
He stated that Chhattisgarh is an agriculturally strong state and such an institute would directly benefit thousands of students, farmers, and food-based enterprises.
Union Minister Paswan took the proposal very positively and expressed his commitment to provide all possible support and serious consideration.
During the meeting, Sai also requested that the World Food India Regional Summit be held in Raipur.
He stated that Raipur’s rich food tradition, excellent connectivity, and diversity make it an ideal destination for such an event. This festival would give global recognition to regional culinary traditions and create significant opportunities for new food-based enterprises.
The Chief Minister suggested that this event be held every two years, similar to the World Food India in Delhi or the North East Food Fest in Guwahati.
Sai stated that Chhattisgarh is seeking central support for the establishment of a food testing lab and a food irradiation unit to ensure the safety of food products.
He stated that increased participation of large investors in rice and fruit-vegetable-based industries would significantly boost employment for farmers, women self-help groups, and rural areas.
The Chief Minister informed that the food processing sector has been given special importance in the state’s new industrial policy, and several additional incentives are being provided to investors. Under this initiative, Drools is investing ₹1,000 crore in Chhattisgarh, which will provide employment to approximately 3,000 people and its benefits will reach rural and tribal communities.
Sai also stated that the state aims to develop Chhattisgarh as a rice bran oil hub, which will reduce dependence on oil imports and provide strong support to the national goal of a ‘self-reliant India’.
He stated that the dream of a self-reliant Chhattisgarh and a developed India by 2047 will be realized through these efforts.
Chief Minister’s Principal Secretary Subodh Kumar Singh, Secretary Rahul Bhagat, and Investment Commissioner Ritu Sein were present at the meeting.
