Raipur, November 24, 2025/Chief Minister Shri Vishnudeo Sai met Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Shri Chirag Paswan at his office in New Delhi today. During this, constructive and meaningful discussions were held on various public welfare issues related to Chhattisgarh. Chief Minister Shri Sai especially drew attention to important issues related to food security, agro-based industries, and the food processing sector in the state.
Chief Minister Shri Sai urged the Union Minister to establish the National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) in Chhattisgarh, so that the youth of the state can benefit from high-level training related to modern food technology, entrepreneurship, and new employment opportunities. He said that Chhattisgarh is a strong state from an agricultural perspective, and thousands of students, farmers, and food-based enterprises will directly benefit from such an institute here.
Union Minister Shri Chirag Paswan responded very positively to this proposal and said that he would provide all possible cooperation on this matter and give it serious consideration.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Shri Sai also requested that the Regional Summit of World Food India be organized in Raipur. He said that Raipur’s rich food tradition, excellent connectivity, and diversity make it an ideal destination for such an event. This festival will give global recognition to regional culinary traditions and create huge opportunities for new food-based enterprises. Chief Minister Shri Sai said that this event should be organized every two years on the lines of World Food India in Delhi or the North East Food Fest in Guwahati.
The Chief Minister informed that Food Testing Labs for testing food items and Food Irradiation Units for preserving food products are to be established in Chhattisgarh, for which the state seeks cooperation from the center. He said that increased participation of big investors in rice and fruit-vegetable-based industries will give a significant boost to employment for farmers, women’s self-help groups, and in rural areas.
Chief Minister Shri Sai informed that the food processing sector has been given special importance in the state’s new industrial policy, and many additional incentives are being provided to investors. Under this, Drools company is investing ₹1,000 crore in Chhattisgarh, which will create employment for about 3,000 people and benefit rural and tribal communities.
The Chief Minister also said that the state aims to develop Chhattisgarh as a Rice Bran Oil Hub, which will reduce dependence on oil imports and strongly support the national goal of ‘Self-Reliant India’. He said 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 Shri Subodh Kumar Singh, Secretary Shri Rahul Bhagat, and Investment Commissioner Smt. Ritu Sen were present in the meeting.