The importance of food extends far beyond basic
sustenance. It plays a central role in our festivals, social gatherings, and
rituals, reflecting our cultural identity and social dynamics. Economically,
the food industry drives growth, creates jobs, and fosters rural and
agricultural development. It significantly contributes to the national economy
through both domestic consumption and exports. As India moves towards the
vision of Vikasit Bharat in the 78th year of its
independence, advancing food safety and security is crucial. This entails
ensuring that food reaching consumers is safe from contaminants and minimizing
food loss and waste to guarantee that sufficient, nutritious food is available
to all.
Addressing food loss and waste, especially of perishable
items like fruits and vegetables, is crucial for enhancing food security and
sustainability. It also helps ensure remunerative prices for our farmers.
Additionally, as the trade of agricultural and processed
food products grows, effective food safety management becomes increasingly
important. Many developed economies have very stringent food safety regulations
and practices to ensure safety of food imports. Food safety incidents can have
serious economic repercussions, including public health risks, reduced consumer
confidence, and disruptions in food supply and price stability. Therefore,
safeguarding food safety is essential not only for protecting public health but
also for supporting economic development, promoting international trade and
maintaining market access.
To address the issues of food safety and securityand in
line with India’s commitment to meeting its Sustainable Development Goals
targets, the Union Budget for 2024-25 has allocated funds for setting up 50
multi-product food irradiation units in the MSME sector. It reflects our
dedication to food safety and security as food irradiation technology extends
the shelf life and safety of agrifood products, ensuring they reach consumers
in optimal condition while reducing food losses along the production and supply
chain.
Food irradiation involves exposing food, whether packaged
or in bulk, to ionizing radiation in a carefully controlled environment. This
method effectively reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses by eliminating
harmful microorganisms. It also prevents food spoilage by slowing down the
decay process and destroying organisms that cause spoilage, while minimizing
food loss by delaying premature ripening, germination, or sprouting. It also
reduces the need for chemical preservatives in extending the shelf life of food
products, thereby, contributing to a more sustainable food supply chain.
Irradiation processing typically requires just one exposure treatment to
achieve the desired effects, which streamlines the process, simplifies food
safety practices, and contributes to cost savings in the food supply chain.
While the concept of using radiation for food
preservation is not new—traditional methods like drying fruits, vegetables,
shrubs, meat, fish etc. under the sun have been used for preservation since
centuries—modern interest in food irradiation technology surged after the Codex
Alimentarius Commission, part of the Joint Food Standard Programme of the Food
and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, established global
standards.
Food Irradiation, much like cooking, is a safe and
effective method for ensuring food safety across all aspects. It has gained
widespread adoption, especially in countries with advanced food safety
standards such as the United States, the European Union, Japan, Australia, and
Canada, where it is extensively used for both domestic and export markets. A
notable example of its impact is the 2012 agreement that allowed Indian mangoes
to be exported to the United States after a 20-year ban. This breakthrough was
achieved by India agreeing to irradiate its mangoes before export to eliminate
or significantly reduce the threat of pests, thereby, protecting US domestic
agriculture.
India has also made significant progress, establishing 34
irradiation processing facilities nationwide. The Ministry of Food Processing
Industries (MoFPI) has played a crucial role in developing this infrastructure,
with 16 of these facilities receiving MoFPI support. While this progress is
commendable, expanding the number and distribution of facilities will further
enhance our ability to meet the growing demands of our vibrant agrifood market.
However, widespread commissioning of food irradiation facilities
is constrained by high capital costs. Establishing an irradiation facility with
a 1 MCi Cobalt 60 source requires an investment of approximately Rs. 25 to 30
crores, excluding land and additional infrastructure costs. Its commissioning process
involves several critical stages, including proposal scrutiny, approval, site
clearance, plant construction, source installation, safety assessments &
guidance, supervision, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance including
occasional replacement of radiation sources. Key organizations such as Bhabha
Atomic Research Centre and the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board oversee this
process.
Despite the initial high capital costs involved with
these facilities, there are substantial opportunities for investors. The
growing demand for safe, long-lasting food products in both domestic and
international markets presents a lucrative investment opportunity. The ability
to enhance food safety and extend shelf life make food irradiation facilities
as crucial players in reducing food waste and meeting stringent export
standards. With the Indian food processing sector expected to reach USD 535
billion by 2025-26 and an ever- increasing share of processed food exports,
irradiation facilities represent a promising investment opportunity.
To support infrastructure development aimed at reducing
food wastage, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) also offers
financial assistance of up to Rs. 10 crore per project for setting up food
irradiation units. This support, provided as grants or subsidies, is designed
to treat perishable produce, including fruits and vegetables, and enhance their
hygiene and shelf life. Following the announcement in the Union Budget 2024-25,
MoFPI has invited Expressions of Interest from entrepreneurs for setting up
multiproduct food irradiation units under the Integrated Cold Chain & Value
Addition Infrastructure (Cold Chain scheme).
Given the critical role that food irradiation plays in
enhancing food safety and extending the shelf life of perishable produce, there
is a pressing need to expand our infrastructure to meet the growing demands of
the Indian food supply chain and agrifood export sector. We urge investors and
entrepreneurs to seize this opportunity to establish additional irradiation
facilities, utilizing the financial support provided by the Ministry of Food
Processing Industries. Investing in irradiation facilities will enhance food
safety, minimize waste, and improve food security across India, while also
ensuring better prices for our farmers. Join us in transforming India’s food
industry—your investment will drive the future of sustainable agriculture and
contribute to a thriving economy.
(A PIB Feature)