THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, AUGUST 7, 2026

Making a strong pitch for investment in Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday said the state is poised to become India's food processing hub, leveraging its rich agricultural base, robust infrastructure and investor-friendly policies.

Addressing leading food-processing companies in the national capital, he assured investors of full government support as the state signed several MoUs with major firms to accelerate industrial growth and rural development.

Interacting with industry leaders, Majhi said Odisha offers immense investment opportunities and world-class infrastructure for the expansion of the food-processing sector. He stressed that the state has all the ingredients required to become a preferred investment destination, including abundant agricultural produce, skilled manpower, seamless rail and road connectivity, and access to ports.

"With abundant agricultural produce, skilled manpower, strong rail and road connectivity, and port facilities, Odisha is ready to lead India's food-processing revolution," the Chief Minister said, inviting companies to become partners in the state's growth story.

Highlighting Odisha's agriculture-driven economy as its biggest strength, Majhi pointed to Koraput's coffee, which has earned national recognition for its quality, and Nabarangpur's high-quality maize production as examples of the state's vast untapped potential. He also underlined the immense opportunities offered by Odisha's long coastline for the growth of marine-based food-processing industries and seafood exports.

Assuring investors of complete support, the Chief Minister said the state government would facilitate the establishment of food-processing industries by providing land, utilities and policy assistance. He said Odisha's conducive business environment and export-friendly policies make it an attractive destination for both domestic and global investors.

"Odisha has a conducive environment and export-friendly policies. The establishment of food-processing units will generate large-scale employment," Majhi said, adding that the sector would create value for farmers, strengthen the rural economy and open up new employment opportunities for the state's youth.

The investment outreach received a major boost with the signing of several MoUs between the Odisha government and leading food-processing companies. The agreements are expected to pave the way for fresh investments in the sector, deepen industry-government collaboration, promote value addition to agricultural produce, and drive rural empowerment through employment generation and enhanced market access for farmers.