Bhubaneswar:The World Food India delegation generated huge excitement among the business community of Odisha during the roadshow and series of one-to-one meetings organised today in Bhubaneswar. The Roadshow was organised by Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Government of India, in collaboration with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to extend the invite to Odisha based industrialists to participate in World Food India 2017. The Roadshow saw, Mr. Prafulla Samal, Minister, MSME, Government of Odisha, Mr. J.P. Meena, Secretary, MoFPI and Mr. L N Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary, MSME Department, Government of Odisha, addressing the business community of the state. The Bhubaneswar Roadshow was attended by more than 250 delegates.
Bringing economies & industry a step closer to India’s food experience and richness, Ministry of Food Processing India is organising World Food India from 3rd to 5th November 2017 in New Delhi. World Food India 2017 is the platform for showcasing the food processing strength of India and an opportunities to connect with international and Indian key players in food processing and allied sectors. Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is the National Event Partner.
Welcoming the dignitaries and the business community of Odisha, Dr Tapan Kumar Chand, Chairman, CII Odisha State Council & CMD, NALCO said “Food processing industry in Odisha is excited by the efforts of Ministry of Food Processing and feels optimistic that these efforts will transform the food economy of the country. The mega event in New Delhi will showcase the massive opportunities in food processing industry and also bring together Indian and global companiesin the sector. The event which will be in line of Make in India will aim to make India an ideal destination for investments in food processing.”
Speaking at the roadshow and highlighting the growth prospects in Odisha, Mr. Prafulla Samal, Minister, MSME, Government of Odisha, said “Odisha has extended its support to the Ministry of Food Processing for the World Food India event in New Delhi and we will be one of the focus states for the event. I am delighted to see such large turnout at the Bhubaneswar Roadshow and I am confident that through this event the vibrant agro and food processing industry of the state will benefit and will witness exponential growth and generate many employment opportunities.”
World Food India delegation leader Mr. J.P. Meena, Secretary, MoFPI, discussed the investment and growth opportunities in food processing sector with business leaders. Furthermore, Mr. Meena briefed the audiences about the Government schemes related to food processing industry and highlighted the benefits of Kisan SAMPADA Scheme of the Central Govt to Farmers, FPOs, Corporates etc. KisanSAMPADA scheme will benefit 20 lakh farmers and generate 5, 30,500 direct/ indirect employment in the country by the year 2019-20.
Addressing the business fraternity of Odisha,Mr. J.P Meena, said, “Lack of food processing and related infrastructure is resulting into a significant amount of food wastage in the country. To address this issue, Government of India has laid significant focus on food processing and identified it as a priority sector. Over the next three years, we are expecting food processing industry to witness an investment of about Rs 50,000 to 60,000 crore from Indian as well as global companies. The World Food India event in New Delhi is a golden opportunity for every business related to food processing as it will bring all stakeholders of the ecosystem together, showcase our strengths and explore collaboration opportunities.”
Mr. J.P Meena also urged the State Government of Odisha to develop food processing industry in clusters as it requires special infrastructure and said that if these infrastructure can be made available at a nominal rate then the industry will witness an exponential growth in the state as Odisha has tremendous opportunity in the area of food processing.
Speaking at the event, Mr. L N Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary, MSME Department, Government of Odisha,urged the business community of Odisha for maximum participation in the event at New Delhi and look for new opportunities and collaboration with other Indian and global companies. He also added that Odisha has made large strides in the food processing sector and the state’s policy and regulation has made it easier for investors for doing business in the state.
To boost sectorial growth and cultivate on the 10 agro-climatic zones of Odisha, Ministry of Food Processing approved the establishment of two Mega Food Park in state aimed to linking agricultural production to the market by bringing together farmers, processors under one roof. Mega Food Parks will ensure maximum value addition, minimize wastage, double farmer’s income and generate employment opportunities particularly in the rural parts of Odisha. Odisha is one of the leading vegetable, plantation crops and rice producing state of the country holding vast untapped potential for the food processing sector.
World Food India has received tremendous response across the globe and will see participation from over 20 countries. Italy has confirmed to be a Focus Country and Haryana and Andhra Pradesh will be Partner States of World Food India.More than 10 States and all leading giants from India and abroad in Food processing, food technology, technology & equipment players, cold chains & reefer transports, ingredients, food retailers will be present at World Food India. World Food India will provide a platform to showcase offerings and services along the food value chain which includes production, processing, packaging, technology, equipment, storage, logistics or retail.
Food processing industry representatives present at the Roadshow included industry from all segments including Food processing, cold chain, agro products beverages, fisheries, dairy, organic & health food, Farmer Producer Organisations, Progressive farmers and food & industry associations.
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