Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan on Sunday visited the upcoming Mega Food Park at Bandardewa in Arunachal Pradesh, terming it a “model project” with the potential to transform the agro-industry landscape of the Northeast.
The visit underlines the Centre’s renewed focus on strengthening agro-based infrastructure and promoting value addition to farm produce in the region. Minister Paswan was accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries and project stakeholders, including Likha Maj, the lead promoter of the food park.
During his inspection, the minister reviewed the construction progress and interacted with project teams. He reiterated the government’s commitment to building a modern, sustainable, and employment-generating food processing ecosystem in the Northeast.
Spread across 75 acres, the Mega Food Park is being developed as a multi-purpose agro-industrial complex. It is expected to process nearly 70,000 metric tons of raw agricultural materials monthly, primarily focusing on fruit-based products and waste-to-wealth technologies.
“This food park has the potential to boost farmer incomes, create jobs, and reduce agricultural wastage through modern processing,” Paswan said.
Beyond fruit processing, the project integrates a diversified model of agro-entrepreneurship. It includes rubber plantations spread over 200 hectares, and another 100 hectares dedicated to cultivating Thailand seedless lemons. Additionally, the park will support integrated livestock farming with piggery units, goat rearing, freshwater fish cultivation, and duck farms.
Officials say this holistic approach is designed to enhance land use efficiency, support innovation in food products, and generate sustainable livelihoods for rural communities.
Calling it a flagship initiative for the region, Paswan added, “This Mega Food Park is a step toward making Arunachal a leader in India’s food processing sector. It reflects our vision to empower farmers and build strong agro-industrial linkages.”
The project is expected to generate substantial local employment and provide a robust platform for food entrepreneurs, startups, and small-scale processors in the state and beyond.
