Minhaj Alam, IAS, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI), illuminates the path forward at the upcoming “World Food India (WFI)” event.
As India sets its sights on becoming a trailblazer in the food processing sector by 2030, the government’s proactive strategies are propelling productivity and sustainability to ensure food security. The recent spotlight was on the Food Processing Summit 2023, orchestrated by the PhD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where key figures from the government advocated for fortified food security through advanced processing and exports in the context of the “International Year of Millets.”
Underscoring the importance of sustainable agricultural and processing practices, Minhaj Alam, IAS, Additional Secretary of MOFPI, unveiled the roadmap. He illuminated the upcoming “World Food India (WFI)” event, conceived to galvanize processors and entrepreneurs for global expansion. A glaring fact emerged: only a mere 10% of India’s food production undergoes processing, a challenge that MOFPI is combating through bespoke initiatives like PMFME for micro-scale enterprises and PMKSY for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With over 1000 projects sanctioned under PMKSY and PMFME’s support for around 45,000 micro-units, the endeavour is to empower the food processing industry and its entrepreneurs.
Amidst the strides, hurdles in supply chains, food safety, market fluctuations, and sustainability persist. Addressing these challenges demands a united front of stakeholders to forge a resilient and sustainable food processing ecosystem. Dr. Sudhanshu, Secretary of APEDA, emphasized the pivotal role of processing and export, especially during the International Year of Millets. He accentuated India’s strengths in clustered setups and urged entrepreneurs to leverage these advantages for remarkable growth.
The summit delved deep into millet promotion, spotlighting India’s untapped potential. Innovators showcased their novel products, laying bare the nation’s capabilities and business prospects. Dr. Sudhanshu championed continuous growth in this sector and urged PHDCCI to distill key takeaways for the future. Saurabh Singhal, Co-Chair of the Agribusiness Committee at PHDCCI, emphasized the room for growth in yield, processing, and exports despite notable progress over the years.
To ensure year-round freshness and availability, robust processing and storage infrastructure are crucial. With a focus on sustainable solutions, India’s trajectory towards sector dominance by 2030 is evident. The Food Processing Summit 2023 garnered support from MOFPI, APEDA, ITC Ltd., D S Group, Bionutrients India Pvt. Ltd., NIFTEM-K, and the Small Farmers’ Agriculture Consortium (SFAC), among others, underscoring the collaborative thrust for progress.