Dr. Prem Garg, IREF National President Calls for Zero-Wastage Food Supply Chains at Food Tek Pack 2025
Dr. Prem Garg, National President of the Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF), delivered a powerful message at Food Tek Pack Conference 2025, highlighting the urgent need for a circular food economy driven by innovation, efficiency, and sustainability to ensure wastage prevention across India’s food supply chain. While addressing the gathering as a panel member on the theme “Circular Food Economy from Farm to Thali – Innovations in the Food Supply Chain & Preventing Wastage”, IREF National President underlined that ensuring the prevention of food loss is not merely an economic concern but a national responsibility.
Role of India in Rice Exports and Food Security
Dr. Garg further stated that that India is the world’s largest rice exporter and a critical pillar of global food security. While production and exports have grown rapidly, he stressed that the next phase must focus on reducing post-harvest losses. “Even a 1% reduction in rice wastage can save the nation hundreds of crores,” the National President of the Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF) noted, adding that every grain saved is value created. He further pointed out that the Cutting-edge technology is reshaping the rice value chain, and technologies such as:
- AI-enabled sorting systems
- Advanced milling with moisture sensors, and
- Digital traceability tools have transformed the rice sector.
Farmers at the Centre of Sustainable Growth
Dr. Prem Garg, the National President of IREF emphasized that technology must ultimately benefit farmers, while appreciating the efforts of the Indian Rice Exporters Federation to promote:
- Scientific harvesting and drying methods
- Storage and quality training
- Reduced pesticide usage, and
- Incentives for high-quality paddy
However, in midst of his powerful speech, Dr. Garg called for collaboration and stressed the importance of partnerships between Government bodies, Industry stakeholders, Farmers, APEDA and technology providers for a Zero-Wastage Future.
Vision for a Zero-Wastage Supply Chain
While concluding his speech at Food Tek Pack 2025, Dr. Prem Garg, the National President of the Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF) outlined a clear national goal of “A zero-wastage supply chain—with minimal breakage, no avoidable losses, strict quality discipline, and no hazardous chemicals.” He concluded his note with a strong message of commitment to modernization, innovation, and sustainability.