Bihar Food Processing Investor Meet 2024: Boosting Agro-Industrial Growth with Over ₹2,181 Crore in Investments

In the Food Processing Investor Meet organized in the context of Bihar Business Connect 2024, big investors from all over the country and the world not only participated but also expressed their desire to invest in the state. Union Food Processing Industries Minister Shri Chirag Paswan was present as the chief guest and State Industries Minister Shri Nitish Mishra as the special guest in this program organized at Hotel Taj in the capital Patna. Along with this, Chief Secretary of the State Shri Amrit Lal Meena and top officials of the department also attended the function.

Speaking about the changing face of Bihar in the food processing sector, Shri Chirag Paswan said, “Bihar has immense potential and the government is working diligently to fully utilize it. Bihar will play a major role in realizing the dream of becoming a developed India if we can take advantage of the opportunities present here. Our society is changing rapidly, in which the demand for processed food is going to increase continuously. In such a situation, this is the best time to invest in this sector. Bihar is a major producer of many products like litchi and makhana, using which investors can grow their business and actively contribute to the efforts of the state and central government to increase the income of farmers. The central government and the Ministry of Food Processing are ready to provide all possible support to Bihar and investors.”

14 LOIs (Letters of Intent) were signed at this event, which talk of investment of ₹ 2,181 crore and creation of 4,175 new jobs. These LOIs reflect Bihar’s intention to take its agro-industrial sector to even greater heights. The key investments include a fully automated high-tech Poha plant by Grus & Grade Pvt Ltd, and projects worth ₹905 crore for bio-fuel production and other initiatives.

A ₹700 crore Coca-Cola bottling unit by SLMG Beverages, and a ₹160 crore high-tech flour mill by Baba Agro Foods, along with projects like a ₹50 crore dairy plant by Anand Dairy, a ₹25 crore makhana processing unit by Madhubani Makhana Pvt Ltd, and a ₹27 crore biscuit manufacturing facility by Neeramay Foods. These projects will take Bihar’s food processing sector to new heights, encourage exports and boost local employment opportunities.

Talking about the efforts of the state government and the favorable conditions for investors in Bihar, Shri Nitish Mishra said, "Bihar is constantly moving on the path of progress. From infrastructure to the development of business parks, our government is dedicated to the progress of Bihar. The state is currently providing a golden opportunity for investment. The interest of investors and the readiness of the government can be gauged from the fact that in the last few months we have approved investments worth Rs 5500 crore. Along with this, we have made the benefits of subsidy and incentives easily available to investors. By investing in Bihar, investors can also take advantage of the markets of neighboring countries. For example, India's exports from Bihar are about Rs 50 thousand crore." Speaking about the growing interest of investors in the state, Mr. Amrit Lal Meena said, “Bihar’s agrarian friendly land and advanced agriculture provide a huge opportunity to investors. With favourable policy reforms and focus on infrastructure development, we are committed to building a strong ecosystem that will drive economic growth and create numerous employment opportunities for the local people.”

Through this event, the State Government showcased the changing face of the food processing industry in Bihar. It also apprised investors of its industry friendly policies, initiatives, and opportunities available in the state.

Speaking on the Government’s commitment towards the development of the sector, Development Commissioner, Government of Bihar, Mr. Pratyay Amrit said, “…”

Also, the interactive sessions organised during the event provided investors an opportunity to understand the sector and the growing opportunities in Bihar. The event also provided investors an opportunity to explore the opportunities of working with each other.

At the end of the programme, Shri Chirag Paswan and Shri Nitish Mishra jointly addressed the media and answered their questions.