ANVESH-2026 International Conference Concludes at NIFTEM-K

Overview: The National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli (NIFTEM-K), an Institute of National Importance under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, hosted the "International Conference ANVESH-2026" from February 26 to 28, 2026, focusing on emerging and sustainable healthy foods. Key Highlights: • The overarching theme of the global platform was "Advanced Next Generation Vision for Emerging and Sustainable Healthy Foods." • The massive event brought together over 1,000 delegates and 2,000 visitors from more than 25 countries. • The conference featured 61 diverse exhibitors, 113 oral presentations, 115 invited talks, and 226 poster presentations. • It included 22 live cookery shows demonstrating innovative applications of emerging ingredients and plant-based alternatives. • India currently processes only 12-13% of its food produce, with the government aiming to increase this to 25% in five years. • Experts highlighted India's annual post-harvest agricultural losses, estimated at a staggering ₹1.10 lakh crore. • Global institutions like CGIAR, McGill University, and Wageningen University participated alongside Indian policymakers. • A key round table involved over 40 Vice Chancellors and Directors discussing academic reforms and industry collaboration. Key Developments / Drivers: The conference addressed the critical issue of food security and waste. Discussions were driven by the urgent need for scientific packaging, post-harvest management, and circular economy integration. A major paradigm shift explored was "Food as Medicine," driving innovations in alternate proteins, plant-based foods, and nutraceuticals to ensure nutritional security and climate resilience in a rapidly changing global ecosystem. Strategic Importance: This is a highly relevant topic for UPSC GS Paper 3 (Food Processing and Related Industries, Agriculture, Economy). It highlights the strategic alignment of technology, higher education, and industrial processing to double farmers' incomes, enhance export competitiveness, and build resilient, sustainable food supply chains capable of navigating global climate challenges. Future Outlook: ANVESH-2026 will serve as a powerful catalyst for deep-tech start-ups in the agri-food sector and industry-academia collaborations. Future policy reforms are expected to focus on adaptive regulatory frameworks, digital traceability, and scaling up modern processing technologies to position India as a global knowledge leader in the evolving food economy.