According to estimates, around 20-25 percent of our produce is not consumed. That is a huge quantity of foodgrain,' the minister said, adding that there was need for post-harvest management.

'That's where the government and the industry have to work together.'

Sharma added that the quantity of perishables could be reduced by 'investing in right technology, creating institutions and ensuring that we create a chain connecting villages to the agricultural producing areas'.

If India could preserve 35-40 percent of its agricultural produce and process and market it properly, more money could be earned and more people gainfully employed.

'If we can export more and earn more, I think we can make an enormous contribution to global food security,' the minister said.

That is why the government has set up a dedicated ministry of food processing industries, Sharma said.

'I believe that in the last five years, some progress has been made. But efforts are required by all of us collectively,' he said, adding that the government would do more to help the agricultural sector.