Government has Geared up to Launch a ‘Pro- Farmer based Agri - Policy’

“There is AN urgent need to explore the full-potential of processed food and hospitality sectors as these sectors are imperatives not only for India’s socio- economic progress but also for enhancing exports and employment in the country. The Government has geared up to launch a ‘pro- farmer based agri - policy’ to ensure farmers are encouraged to imbibe value addition of their produce and connected with the export activity directly. They can become an integral part of retail and supply chain globally. Events such as ‘AAHAR’ are vital to provide an excellent platform for the all stakeholders to have meaningful interaction, collaboration and investment opportunities. The fair will be organized with enhanced participation and stature after completion of the redevelopment Pragati Maidan as International Exhibition and Convention Centre (IECC) by September 2019”, pointed out by the Hon’ble Union Minister of Commerce and Industries, Government of India, Shri Suresh Prabhu, inaugurating the 33rd edition of AAHAR- the International Food and Hospitality Fair (March 13-17, 2018) at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

In his inaugural speech, the Minister complimented the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) and its associates for hosting Aahar 2018. Expressing his satisfaction on redevelopment project of Pragati Maidan he said that such an iconic infrastructure is imperative to fulfill “New India” aspiration.

Highlighting vast export potential marine sector products , the Minister mentioned that there are 13 coastal states in India with abundant marine products. He indicated that a comprehensive roadmap is being prepared by the government to double the exports of marine products soon. Referring participation of Japan in the fair, he pointed out that India’s has to adopt Japanese innovations and technology to provide a fillip to the marine sector through value - addition and preservation practices of marine products.

Stressing need to vitalize the hospitality sectors, he indicated that the fair is devoted to ‘food’ and ‘hospitality’ which are integral part of India’s ancient heritage and culture with a world famed slogan ‘Athithi Devo Bhave’. The country registered 17 to 20 percent increase in the aviation market last year, the country has to prepare itself in providing quality services in hospitality including conducive air travel and cargo facilities, he added..

Present on the occasion were Mr. Jacek Bogucki, First Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development of the Republic of Poland, H.E. Mr. Nejmeddine Lakhal, Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia, and Mr. Mitsuhiro Miyakoshi, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan, Mr. L.C. Goyal, CMD, India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), Mr. Narendra Kumar Singh, CMD,APEDA and Mr. Deepak Kumar, Executive Director, ITPO.

In his key note address, Shri L.C. Goyal, CMD, ITPO the re-development project of Pragati Maidan as a world class ‘International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre’ is on a right- track. He informed the next Aahar edition will be organized with its enhanced scale as new halls which would be available in February/March 2019. He expressed his satisfaction over the trade mark event of ITPO as well as an enhanced response of foreign exhibitors. He acknowledging continued support all the associates of AAHAR, he pointed out that this mega event is a finest example of ‘Team work’.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Jacek Bogucki, First Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development of the Republic of Poland, H.E. Mr. Nejmeddine Lakhal, Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia, and Mr. Mitsuhiro Miyakoshi, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan H.E. Mr. Nejmeddine Lakhal, Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia expressed their happiness over the growing bilateral trade relations with India as well as participation in the AAHAR2018.

In his welcome speech, Shri Deepak Kumar, ED, ITPO highlighted the salient features of the fair. He said that ITPO has made efforts to provide necessary facilities to the visitors and participants despites its ambitious project of redevelopment of Pragati Maidan.

To mark the occasion, a comprehensive book titled : “Food & Agri Products Registered as GI” was released by the Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industry. This compilation contains essential details in respect of 91 registered food and agri GIs up to February 2018 to facilitate interested consumers and traders in different parts of the world to establish contact with the registered proprietors of the respective GIs who in turn will be able to assist in sourcing the desired products.

As many as 900 leading companies are taking part in the fair out of which 78 foreign exhibitors are participating from 18 countries including USA, China, Italy, Poland, Turkey, Spain, Oman, South Korea, Thailand, UAE, Peru, Norway, Indonesia, Canada, Tunisia, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan. An exclusive Culinary Art Competition would be organized by Indian Culinary Forum in Lounge B(near Gate 1) while other major attractions are exclusive seminars in Hall 8 (Auditorium) on “Water Conservation in Food Service, and Other Sustainable Solutions for the Hotel Industry” by HOTREMAI (supported by the Trust-Green The Earth at 2.00 pm March 13, 2018) and “The Role of R&D and Food Safety in the Development of Food Processing Sector” by AIFPA (at 9.00 am on March 14, 2018).

The fair has been organized by the ITPO with support of the Ministry of Food Processing and Industries, Government of India APEDA along with other apex bodies such as AIFPA, ARCHII, HOTERMAI, FHSAI and FIFI for the fair.

AAHAR (March13-17, 2018) is open for the business visitors from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm.,daily. Visitors park their vehicles at Bhairon Road parking. For details: www.indiatradefair.com/aahardelhi.