India is planning to accelerate the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the food processing sector to enhance efficiency, increase farmers' incomes, and minimize environmental impact. This initiative was discussed at a conference organized by the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM), where senior bureaucrats and government advisors emphasized the necessity for a strategic roadmap to implement AI tools in the country's extensive food processing industry.
Food Processing Secretary Anita Praveen highlighted the importance of creating a comprehensive plan with support from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY). She mentioned that the MEITY Secretary has joined the initiative, which is expected to provide significant support in this endeavor.
MEITY Secretary S Krishnan noted that while some advancements have been made in applying AI in agriculture, the food processing sector is still in the early stages of adopting such technologies. He advocated for broader adoption of AI across the sector to enhance its overall efficiency.
Ramesh Chand, a member of NITI Aayog, pointed out that efficient food processing practices are "climate-smart," as they can help increase farmer incomes, meet consumer demands, and reduce the environmental impact, especially in the face of increasing climate change challenges. He suggested developing simple, portable devices using AI for quality assessment of agricultural produce. Such devices could shift the focus from quantity to quality, providing significant benefits to the nation.
The officials at the conference also emphasized that AI tools could play a crucial role in improving the efficiency of the food processing sector. This initiative aligns with India's broader goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2070. By leveraging AI, the sector can enhance productivity, ensure better quality control, and contribute to more sustainable agricultural and processing practices.
