New Delhi, Aug 10 (IANS) Odisha is focusing on expanding agricultural and food‑processing exports and has strong potential to reach $1 billion worth of such exports by 2035, an industry chamber said on Monday.

The statement from ASSOCHAM said that a decentralised decision‑making process in the food‑processing sector would enhance production possibilities, explore export potential, accelerate GDP growth and support employment creation.

“A strategic shift towards value-added processing and export-oriented production could significantly enhance income realisation, generate employment, and position Odisha as a competitive food-processing hub in India,” the statement added.

Odisha’s diversified agricultural production base and the fact that agriculture contributes nearly one‑fifth of the state’s economy create ideal conditions for scaling up food processing.

Odisha’s development journey is entering a phase in which value addition will define the pace and quality of growth, the statement noted.

Nirmal K. Minda, President of ASSOCHAM, said that Odisha has emerged as a leading investment destination in the country, demonstrating remarkable progress through investor-friendly reforms, robust infrastructure development, and a strong commitment to sustainable industrialisation.

The state received $69.72 million in foreign direct investment in 2025.

Beyond scaling its exports, Odisha can position itself as a model for processing-led agricultural transformation in India, thereby contributing to the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Minda added.

Saurabh Sanyal, Secretary General of ASSOCHAM, highlighted that the Government of Odisha has shown strong resolve to position the state as a preferred destination for food-processing industries by creating a supportive ecosystem for investors.

“Odisha’s food processing sector offers a compelling opportunity to redefine the state’s economic trajectory. While the foundations, including agriculture, fisheries, and policy support, are firmly in place, the next step is to scale up, improve efficiency, and integrate markets,” Sanyal added.

ASSOCHAM urged strong policy execution and deeper industry participation, to unlock the state’s untapped potential.

The industry chamber stressed strengthening cold-chain networks, expanding testing and certification infrastructure, and enabling MSMEs to meet global standards.

—IANS

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