RT team
India is poised to enhance its food processing sector through the targeted integration of artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to improve efficiency, increase farmers’ incomes, and reduce environmental impacts. This initiative was highlighted during a conference hosted by the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM), where key government figures outlined the need for a strategic AI deployment roadmap.
Food Processing Secretary Anita Praveen emphasized the necessity of creating a structured plan for AI integration, with support from MEITY Secretary S Krishnan, who advocated for the broader adoption of AI technologies. Although AI applications are already being explored in agriculture, their potential in food processing remains largely untapped.
Ramesh Chand, a member of NITI Aayog, described efficient food processing as “climate smart.” He stressed that AI could significantly contribute to enhancing farmer incomes, meeting consumer demands, and mitigating environmental degradation amid escalating climate challenges. He proposed the development of simple, portable devices for quality assaying of agricultural products as a crucial step towards prioritizing quality over quantity in produce assessment.
These advancements are part of India’s broader goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2070, with AI tools expected to play a critical role in elevating the food processing sector’s overall efficiency and sustainability.
