Chirag Paswan Highlights Vital Role of Food Processing Sector, Launches World Food India 2024 Website and Mobile App

The Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Chirag Paswan, along with Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries and Railways, Ravneet Singh, launched the website and mobile application for the much-anticipated World Food India 2024 to advance India’s food processing sector. This event marks the precursor to the 3rd edition of the nation’s largest food event, slated to take place from September 19-22, 2024.

During his keynote address, Minister Paswan underscored the pivotal role of the food processing sector in mitigating agricultural wastage, enhancing value addition, ensuring food security, and fortifying the supply chain from farm to fork. He emphasized the Indian Government's commitment to a holistic development strategy for the value chain across food and allied sectors, aligning with the national vision of Atma Nirbhar (self-reliant) and Viksit Bharat (developed India).

Minister Paswan highlighted the government's flagship schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY), Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLIS), and Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME). These initiatives are designed to support and sustain the growth of the food processing sector, ensuring its contribution to India's economic strength.

The upcoming World Food India 2024 aims to foster collaboration and partnerships among global and Indian stakeholders. Following the success of World Food India 2023, which witnessed participation from 1,208 exhibitors, 715 international buyers from 90 countries, 24 states, and 75,000 attendees, the 2024 event promises to be even more impactful. The previous edition featured over 16,000 B2B/B2G meetings, roundtable discussions, 47 thematic sessions, MoU signings, exhibitions, and a start-up grand challenge, highlighting India's prowess in the global food processing sector.

In his special address, Minister of State Ravneet Singh elaborated on the transformative potential of India's food-processing industry. He noted that advancements in food-processing technologies could transform agricultural wealth into a formidable economic force. Singh praised the government's proactive approach to promoting investments through various reforms, leveraging India's vast market and dynamic young workforce.

Minister Singh highlighted the importance of the upcoming mega event, which aims to bring together a diverse array of stakeholders, including manufacturers, producers, investors, policymakers, and global organizations. This convergence is expected to facilitate the exchange of ideas, exploration of opportunities, and collaborative efforts to drive the sector’s development. Singh urged all participants to support the Ministry's initiatives, highlighting that collective action and a shared vision are crucial for sustaining growth and reinforcing India's position in the global food ecosystem.

Anita Praveen, Secretary of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, echoed these sentiments, noting that World Food India 2024 continues the inclusive and industry-driven tradition of its predecessors. She extended an invitation to senior government dignitaries, global investors, business leaders, and other stakeholders, such as food processors, equipment manufacturers, logistics and cold chain players, technology providers, start-ups, and food retailers, to join the four-day flagship event.

With its comprehensive agenda and the robust support of the Indian government, World Food India 2024 is poised to be a landmark event, catalyzing innovation and collaboration in the food processing sector and paving the way for a more self-reliant and developed India.