MoFPI-backed Common Incubation Center at VNMKV, Parbhani aims to strengthen food processing, entrepreneurship, farmer incomes and innovation under the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.

Key Highlights

• Union Food Processing Industries Minister Chirag Paswan inaugurates a Common Incubation Center (CIC) at VNMKV, Parbhani.
• Facility established with financial support from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI).
• Incubation centre to support food startups, product development, value addition and entrepreneurship.
• Minister calls for greater focus on processing to reduce food wastage and improve farmer incomes.
• Maharashtra praised for its strong implementation of the PMFME Scheme.
• Emphasis on quality, organic farming and globally competitive ‘Made in India’ food products.
• Initiative aligns with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.

MoFPI Strengthens Maharashtra’s Food Processing Ecosystem with New Incubation Centre

The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has expanded its support for India’s food processing sector with the inauguration of an advanced Common Incubation Center (CIC) at the College of Food Technology, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), Parbhani.

The facility, inaugurated by Union Minister Chirag Paswan, has been established under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan with financial assistance from MoFPI in collaboration with VNMKV and the Agriculture Department of the Government of Maharashtra.

The incubation centre is expected to serve as a platform for food entrepreneurs, startups, students and farmers by providing access to modern food processing infrastructure, product development support and business incubation facilities.

Focus on Value Addition and Farmer Prosperity

Addressing students, entrepreneurs and stakeholders during the inauguration, Shri Paswan stressed that India’s next agricultural transformation must focus on value addition rather than production alone.

He noted that while India has achieved self-sufficiency in agricultural production and emerged as a major exporter, increasing farmer incomes now depends on expanding food processing and converting raw agricultural produce into high-value products.

The Minister highlighted that inadequate storage facilities often compel farmers with small landholdings to sell produce immediately after harvest at lower prices. Strengthening food processing infrastructure, he said, will help farmers preserve produce, reduce post-harvest losses and generate better returns.

Food Processing Key to Reducing Waste

Shri Paswan described food processing as one of the most effective solutions to tackle food wastage while creating new employment opportunities across rural and urban India.

Encouraging young entrepreneurs, he urged students to become job creators instead of job seekers, emphasising that the Ministry is implementing several schemes covering the entire value chain—from production and processing to marketing.

He also praised Maharashtra’s performance under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme, noting that the state has emerged among the country’s leading performers in promoting micro food processing enterprises.

Quality and Global Competitiveness in Focus

The Minister called for greater adoption of organic farming and reduced dependence on chemical fertilisers to improve the global competitiveness of Indian agricultural products.

He advised aspiring entrepreneurs to prioritise product quality, stating that long-term brand success depends on maintaining consistent standards.

Reiterating the vision of making India a global food hub, Shri Paswan said every product carrying the “Made in India” label should meet international quality benchmarks and strengthen India’s reputation in global food markets.

Hospitality, Food & Tourism Impact

The new incubation centre is expected to create long-term opportunities for India’s hospitality, food service and culinary tourism sectors by accelerating innovation in processed foods and value-added agricultural products.

For hotels, restaurants, cafés and catering businesses, incubation facilities like the one at VNMKV can support the development of high-quality regional products, ready-to-cook foods, packaged ingredients and specialty foods that improve sourcing options and diversify menus.

The initiative also has the potential to boost agri-food tourism in Maharashtra, encouraging farm-based experiences, food entrepreneurship, regional cuisine promotion and local food festivals that showcase Marathwada’s agricultural heritage.

By promoting food startups and reducing post-harvest losses, the project strengthens India’s farm-to-fork ecosystem while creating new business opportunities across food processing, hospitality, retail and tourism.

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