From September 19 to 22, 2024, the Union Ministry of Food Processing Industry will host the third edition of World Food India in New Delhi. This event aims to highlight opportunities in the food processing industry and showcase West Bengal’s agricultural sector.
Preet Pal Singh, Joint Secretary of the Ministry, announced that nearly 1,000 international buyers are expected to participate. “West Bengal, renowned for its robust agriculture sector and favourable climatic conditions, is the largest producer of fruits and vegetables and the second-largest producer of rice and fish,” Singh stated, emphasizing the state’s dominance in the seafood industry.
West Bengal’s famous mango varieties, including Himsagar and Malda, as well as the prized Darjeeling tea, will be showcased. The state’s participation in World Food India 2023 included a dedicated pavilion and 47 companies, highlighting its potential in the food processing sector.
The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) recently hosted an industry interaction, underscoring West Bengal’s food processing potential and previewing the upcoming event. Prashant Jalan, a member of the ICC’s Executive Committee, emphasized the sector’s role in linking farmers with the domestic market, offering vast investment opportunities. As of July 2024, the sector involves about 13 million people directly and 35 million indirectly, contributing significantly to the Indian economy. The demand for processed food is growing with the economy and increased female labour force participation.
Siddharth Dutta, a consultant from FICCI, detailed the event schedule. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the event, which will feature CIO roundtables on policy matters, thematic knowledge sessions, and exhibitions over four days. Senior AVP of Invest India, Sandipan Sensarma, highlighted the event’s focus on plant-based proteins, sustainable packaging, and food safety, along with a startup grand challenge and a vibrant food street.
World Food India 2024 promises to be a significant platform for showcasing advancements in the food processing sector and fostering global and domestic industry collaborations.