In anticipation of the third edition of ‘World Food India 2024’, scheduled for September in New Delhi, the Ministry of Food Processing Industry (MoFPI) of India, with support from the Knowledge Chamber of Commerce and Industry, organized a Regional Industry Meet in Ahmedabad. This event aimed to engage stakeholders from the food processing industry and its allied sectors, promoting participation in the upcoming mega food event at Pragati Maidan.
D. Praveen, Joint Secretary of MoFPI, opened the event, emphasizing the significance of ‘World Food India 2024’. He stated: “‘World Food India 2024’, forthcoming in the month of September, is the third edition while the first edition was organized in 2017 and the second in 2023, promoting the International Year of Millets. Prime Minister Modi has inaugurated this event to showcase India as the ‘Food Basket of the World’ and foster collaboration within the global food processing industry, focusing on organic produce, indigenous processed food, and similar. Regional business meets are key outreach activities by the department, targeting provincial investors, manufacturers, producers, food processors, policymakers, and other relevant organizations.”
Smt. Hetalben Desai, Additional General Manager of GAICL, highlighted the ongoing initiatives said, “‘World Food India’ is a great initiative by MoFPI as it connects Indian manufacturers and consumers with global players. We at GAICL have started an initiative under iNDEXTa to provide sanctions for the sector and facilitate the export of agro and food processing products. We participated in WFI 2023 and will continue to support this.”
Dhaval Raval, Chairman of Food Processing at the Knowledge Chamber of Commerce & Industry, spoke about the changing industry trends. Further he stated, “Indian lifestyle and aspirations are changing day by day and due to rapid urbanization, more and more nuclear families are demanding functional foods and nutraceuticals. Connecting Indian manufacturers and consumers with the world via the ‘World Food India’ initiative is crucial. Regional Industry Meets like this should be a continuous process to spread awareness and create more startups for a progressive India.”
Thereupon, Bharat Patel, Hon. Secretary General of the Knowledge Chamber of Commerce & Industry, addressed the importance of these meets for India’s future growth: “India is the fastest-growing major economy and to foresee ‘Viksit India 2047’, regional industry meets with relevant dignitaries from the government are key to a progressive Bharat. The government is playing a vital role in promoting and motivating self-reliance by easing the process of doing business. Connecting one-on-one with relevant regional manufacturers plays a vital role in industrial development.”
The meet saw participation from prominent industry representatives, including Adani Wilmar, Amul, Balaji Wafers, and others. Discussions covered government subsidies, industry challenges, and preparations for WFI 2024, ensuring a collaborative approach to advance the food processing sector.