Bhubaneswar: Make in Odisha Conclave 2018, the flagship biennial global investors’ meet of Odisha aims to establish the State as the preferred destination in India for the development of food processing Sector in the country. The Conclave organized interesting and engaging sessions on food processing with an objective to attract stakeholders to discuss about the investment possibilities in the state. The sessions witnessed overwhelming
participation from prominent officials from Ministry of Food Processing, MSME Department, and pioneer representatives, industry leaders and entrepreneurs among others.
The session on food processing provided a platform to discuss the investment opportunities and the unique benefits provided by Odisha for development of the food processing sector. While
setting the context, Shri L. N. Gupta, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary to Govt., MSME Department stated that Odisha, being a leading producer of food resources like cashew nuts, vegetables,
shrimp, coconuts, rice, fish and spices, the state has a favourable potential for investment.
Amongst the other important factors, presence of various Food Processing Infrastructure projects, like Mega Food Parks in Deras , noteworthy scientific and technical institutes, like
OUAT (Orissa University of Agriculture & Technology), CRRI (Central Rice Research Institute),CIFA (Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture), ample storage facilities, robust fish and
seafood network were highlighted as prominent growth factors of Odisha. The state enjoys proximity to densely populated centres like West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Andhra
Pradesh where there is a ready market for supplying poultry, fish, seafood. Even proximity to ASEAN Countries for seafood exports is a bright possibility. The surface & air connectivity of the
state with rest of the country will also explore the indigenous market. Most importantly, it is blessed with a robust, dedicated and entrepreneur friendly Food Processing Policy and its
guidelines which make Odisha more favourable for investing in its Food Processing sector.
The key speakers in the session on food processing included Mr. Parag Gupta, IAS, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Govt. of India, Mr. J.P. Meena, IAS (Retd.), ExSecretary, MoFPI, GoI, Mr. Lalit Singh Mangalia, G.M. Commercial, Britannia Industries, Mr. Neel Kingston Jasper, CFO, ITC, Food Business, Sri Gautam Sharma, MD, Indo Nissin Food Ltd. The Speakers emphasized on present scenario, prospects, opportunities, ease of setting up in Food Processing Sector and shared their valuable experience. Mr. Parag Gupta also spoke about ‘Operation Greens (Tomato, Onion and Potato)’ Scheme of MoFPI and asked potential investors to apply under the said scheme for which advertisement has already been issued, besides highlighting the opportunities in Food Processing Sector.
Multiple policy initiatives were announced including extension of Capital investment Subsidy @33% of capital investment made in plant & machinery up to a limit of Rs. 3 crore to Differently
abled, Technical Degree / Diploma holder entrepreneurs, providing subsidy to self financed food processing enterprises and units engaged in edible / non-edible vegetable oil mills includingcrushing and expelling of oil seeds and manufacturing of fruit pulp and / or juice out of it.
Besides, there was the launch of Directory of Assisted Food Processing Industries in Odisha, release of subsidy to food processing Industries. Representative of ITC announced investment of Rs.550 crore and Britannia Industries of Rs.60 crore in their existing plants in next 3 to 5 years.
Shri Prafulla Samal, Minister for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of Odisha said, “I would like to convey my heartiest welcome to the investors, industry leaders &
entrepreneurs for encouraging Odisha’s effort to showcase Food Processing as a sustainable industry of the state. As you know Food Processing Sector, which falls under the ambit of MSME
Department in our State, is growing at 8.5% rate which much faster than agricultural sector. Our primary aim is to create a platform for the various stakeholders to invest in this sector where both can mature together by providing a safe and stable environment for business development.”
The five-day event will conclude on Thursday, November 15, 2018. Shri P.J.Nath, IAS, Director of Industries, Odisha placed vote of thanks to the dignitaries and participants and hoped that suggestions will go long way in promoting the Food Processing
Sector in the state.
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