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Business Community of West Bengal Expresses Great Interest to Attend World Food India 2017
Kolkata, 14th July, 2017: Food Processing is no more a technical term for experts now consumers are aware of the processed food industry.
Building momentum towards World Food India 2017, a high-level delegation from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Government of India led by Mr. J.P. Meena, Secretary, MoFPI, today hosted World Food India roadshow in Kolkata, West Bengal in association with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The key agenda of the roadshow was to interact with the business community of West Bengal and seek their active participation at World Food India 2017, to be held in New Delhi from 3rd to 5th November 2017. The roadshow in Kolkata saw overwhelming participation of more than 120 industrialists from West Bengal.
World Food India 2017 is the platform for showcasing the food processing strength of India and an opportunity to connect with international and Indian key players in food processing and allied sectors. CII is the National Event Partner.
West Bengal offers tremendous opportunities in food processing sector. The state is the largest producer of vegetables in the country. It produces 30% of potatoes, 27% of pineapples & 12 % of bananas grown in the country. In the marine sector, West Bengal accounts for 17% of total fish production of India. With vast processed food opportunities, West Bengal has 5.9 mn tonnes cold storage capacity- 2nd largest in India. Food processing sector in West Bengal is on thrive and World Food India 2017 will supplement the state’s growth in food processing sector.
When we asked about the quality control and testing of the sample with stringent US FDA or UK or Japan standard so that products adheres to international standards Shri Meena and Shri Sanjeev Chopra said already we are following FSSAI standard which is stringent enough to meet international standards.
Mr. J.P. Meena, Secretary, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India (MoFPI), discussed the investment and growth opportunities in food processing sector with business leaders. Furthermore, Mr. Meena briefed the audience about the Government schemes related to food processing industry and highlighted the benefits of Kisan Sampad Scheme of the Central Govt for Farmers, FPOs, Corporates etc. Kisan Sampad scheme will benefit 20 lakh farmers and generate 5,30,500 direct/ indirect employment in the country by the year 2019-20.
Addressing the industry leaders at the roadshow, Mr. J.P. Meena said, “West Bengal is an upcoming state as far as food processing is concerned. The farmers of this state have always been very enterprising. We are keen and hopeful that the World Food India 2017 will be a golden opportunity for the state of West Bengal to showcase its capability in terms of quality raw materials. The state has also shown growth in terms of doing ease of business.’
Besides Mr. J.P. Meena, Secretary, MoFPI, Mr. Sanjeev Chopra, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Government of West Bengal and Ms. Nandini Chakrabarty, Secretary, Department of Food Processing Industries and Horticulture, Government of West Bengal, addressed the business leaders at the event.
Speaking at the Roadshow, Mr. Sanjeev Chopra, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Government of West Bengal, said that the technology of food processing was always there. The recent focus is happening because of the distribution of population and fewer people depending on agriculture. He added, “Food processing logistics is the hallmark of civilization. West Bengal is very keen and hopeful that this opportunity to participate in World Food 2017 will be beneficial for the State. This opportunity will be a moment for West Bengal to showcase the State’s availability to adapt to innovative food processing methods and the promising farmers of the State.”
Highlighting the opportunities in food processing sector in West Bengal, Ms. Nandini Chakrabarty, Secretary, Department of Food Processing Industries and Horticulture, Government of West Bengal, said “ West Bengal is the primary centre for availability of raw materials. Identifying the logistics and infrastructure gaps will be beneficial for the State. West Bengal can emerge as a hub for cold storage, value additions and packaging of products both for the State and neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh. In order to augment the food processing sector at a mega scale, the chambers and the industry, would like to understand the needs of the global market and accordingly look at the manufacturing in the local scale. We are going to participate in the World Food 2017 and take full advantage that the Ministry of Food Processing will offer.”
Mr. Mayank Jalan, Chairman, CII North East Council & Managing Director, Keventer Agro Ltd. Invited people to World Food India 2017 said, “ India is ranked 5th in terms of food consumption and export. The state of West Bengal has vast opportunities in terms of food processing in India. The government of India has also allocated a budget of INR 6000 crore for the food processing industry. West Bengal has six agro-climatic conditions which enable the state for immense growth in the food processing sector. My business has seen a CAGR over the last decade of more than 23%. The government here is extremely industry friendly and transparent. Therefore, I hope that this participation in World Food India will attract many investors for the State.”
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, 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.
About World Food India 2017
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries is organising, in collaboration with the Confederation Indian Industry (CII), World Food India in New Delhi from 3rd till 5th November, 2017. World Food India will be the largest gathering of investors, manufacturers, producers, food processors, policy makers, and organizations from the global food ecosystem. It will provide opportunities for both investment and trade in the food processing sector for both domestic and international companies.
Please visit the website for detailed information: https://www.worldfoodindia.in/
