New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday shared an article by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reaffirming that strengthening India's food processing sector is a strategic national security priority, vital for rural prosperity and economic resilience.

Sharing the post on X, the Prime Minister's Office said, “Union Finance Minister Smt. @nsitharaman highlights that strengthening domestic food processing capacity is a national security priority. The Minister underscores how initiatives aligned with the 'One District, One Product' vision are empowering farmers, generating local jobs and promoting rural self-reliance.”

In her article published in Hindustan Times, Sitharaman detailed the government's push to expand domestic food processing capacity through the 'Kalyana Sampada' initiative, under which every district identifies a unique agricultural product or set of products for value addition.

She noted that the programme, inspired by the Prime Minister's 'One District, One Product' vision, serves as an extension of the 'Make in India' mission for farmers, or annadatas.

Further, she said that in each district, a Farmer Producer Company (FPC) identified by NABARD operates food processing and training units, while her MPLADS funds were utilised to bring agro-processing capabilities to farmers' doorsteps.

The Prime Minister said the article highlights India's holistic approach to achieving food security through self-reliance and rural entrepreneurship.