IRS Abhishek Narang given extension as PS to Chirag Paswan
Shri Abhishek Narang IRS (IT 2008) has been given extension as Private Secretary to the Minister for Food Processing Industries (Shri Chirag Paswan) in the Ministry of Food Processing Industries for a period of six months beyond 31.12.2025 by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) plays a vital role in strengthening India’s agricultural economy by promoting value addition, reducing wastage, and enhancing the global competitiveness of the food processing sector. Established with the objective of providing a focused policy framework for agro-based industries, MoFPI today functions as a catalyst for innovation, infrastructure development, and entrepreneurship. The Ministry’s policies and initiatives often find mention across governance platforms, including those covering Indian Bureaucracy Latest News and updates on national economic reforms.
MoFPI is responsible for formulating and implementing policies for the food processing sector, dealing with industries that manufacture processed food items—from dairy, fisheries, and meat products to grains, fruits, vegetables, and packaged foods. By encouraging agribusiness, promoting modern technologies, and supporting sustainable practices, the Ministry contributes significantly to rural development and national economic growth. Its actions frequently intersect with other key Ministries such as Agriculture, Commerce, and MSME, making it an important pivot in India’s farm-to-market supply chain.
At the administrative level, the Ministry is led by the Cabinet Minister, assisted by the Minister of State and the Secretary, who heads the bureaucracy and oversees various divisions dealing with planning, research, infrastructure, and industry promotion. Coordination within the Ministry and with other departments often reflects the complex functioning of Indian Bureaucracy, especially in areas involving regulatory reforms or large-scale national missions.
A major thrust area for MoFPI is infrastructure development. Through schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY), the Ministry promotes Mega Food Parks, Integrated Cold Chains, Food Testing Laboratories, and Agro-Processing Clusters. These interventions help reduce post-harvest losses, generate employment, and improve market linkages. Mega Food Parks, in particular, provide common facilities such as cold storage, quality testing, logistics hubs, and processing spaces, encouraging investment from both domestic and international players.
The Ministry also focuses strongly on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Through credit-linked incentives, training programs, and modernization grants, MoFPI empowers small entrepreneurs to adopt new technologies and expand their operations. The PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme supports traditional food producers, self-help groups, and small-scale units, enabling them to standardize their products and access national and global markets.
Quality and safety regulation is another core responsibility of the Ministry. In coordination with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), MoFPI promotes adherence to global food safety standards, research on contaminants, and adoption of scientific processing methods. This ensures that processed foods from India are competitive, safe, and aligned with international best practices.
MoFPI also plays an important role in international cooperation by engaging with global organizations, participating in trade fairs, and promoting Indian food products abroad. These efforts strengthen India’s food export potential and attract foreign direct investment in food processing, packaging, and logistics.
The Ministry’s initiatives support India’s farmers by expanding access to modern storage, processing units, and efficient supply chains. By encouraging value addition at the source, MoFPI helps farmers secure better incomes while reducing post-harvest losses—an issue historically affecting agricultural profitability.
With India’s food processing sector projected to grow rapidly, the Ministry continues to refine its policies to support innovation, sustainability, and large-scale infrastructure. Its evolving programs remain a consistent feature in Top Indian Bureaucracy News, Indian Bureaucracy Appointments, and updates related to economic administration. Through its strategic interventions, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries strengthens India’s food ecosystem, boosts exports, and contributes significantly to rural livelihoods and national development.
Indian Bureaucracy News Update wishes Shri Abhishek Narang the very best.