A matter of food safety

Contact Counsellor

Last Updated05/09/2024

As India celebrates its 78th year of independence and progresses towards the vision of Viksit Bharat, enhancing food safety and security is a crucial objective. The food industry, integral to our cultural identity and economic growth, not only supports domestic consumption but also drives rural and agricultural development.
Addressing food loss and waste, especially of perishable items, is essential for ensuring that nutritious food is accessible to all and for securing fair prices for farmers. In this context, the adoption of food irradiation technology represents a transformative step forward.

The Union budget for 2024-25 has allocated funds to establish 50 multi-product food irradiation units in the MSME sector. Food irradiation, a method involving exposure to ionizing radiation, offers significant benefits in extending the shelf life of agricultural products and ensuring their safety.
This technology reduces the risk of food-borne illnesses, prevents spoilage, delays premature ripening, and minimizes food loss. By reducing reliance on chemical preservatives, irradiation supports a more sustainable food supply chain.

Although the concept of food irradiation is not new, its modern application has gained momentum following the establishment of global standards by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
Countries with advanced safety standards, such as the US, Japan, Australia, Canada, and those in the EU, have widely adopted this technology.
A notable success story is the 2012 agreement that allowed Indian mangoes to be exported to the US after a 20-year ban, thanks to irradiation technology that mitigated pest threats.

India has made notable progress, with 34 irradiation processing facilities established across the country. However, the expansion of this infrastructure is hampered by high capital costs, with a typical facility requiring an investment of Rs 25 to 30 crores.
Despite these challenges, the growing demand for safe, long-lasting food products presents a lucrative opportunity for investors.
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) supports this growth by offering financial assistance of up to Rs 10 crore per project for setting up irradiation units.

The increasing demand for safe and durable food products in both domestic and international markets underscores the potential of food irradiation facilities.
As the Indian food processing sector is projected to reach $535 billion by 2025-26, and with a rising share of processed food exports, investing in irradiation technology offers a promising return.
The financial support from MoFPI and the burgeoning market potential make this an opportune moment for entrepreneurs and investors to contribute to a more resilient and sustainable food industry.

Expanding food irradiation infrastructure will not only enhance food safety and reduce waste but also support India’s goal of ensuring a stable and secure food supply.
The technology aligns with India’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and represents a critical investment in the future of agriculture.
By capitalizing on available financial assistance and recognizing the strategic benefits of irradiation technology, stakeholders can drive significant advancements in food security and contribute to a thriving national economy.

The advancement of food irradiation technology is a crucial step in addressing food safety and security challenges. As India aims for a more sustainable and robust food industry, investing in this technology will play a key role in reducing food waste, meeting stringent export standards, and supporting agricultural development.
The opportunity for growth and impact is substantial—entrepreneurs and investors are encouraged to engage in this transformative sector, paving the way for a healthier and more prosperous future for all.