The Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and Textiles, Piyush Goyal, inaugurated the prestigious 'Indus Food 2024' exhibition at the India Exposition Mart in Greater Noida. The event serves as a platform to showcase India's vibrant and diverse food ecosystem on the global stage. Goyal, in his opening address, applauded India's food processing sector for its remarkable 150% growth in processed food exports over the last nine years. He emphasized the country's agricultural prowess, with exports reaching a substantial USD 53 Billion.
Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he called for a fusion of technology and taste, urging the industry to focus on large-scale food processing, product branding, and export orientation to benefit farmers and boost employment.
Global Demand for Indian Foods
Recognizing the surging global demand for Indian foods, the Minister highlighted India's diverse agro-climatic zones, 158 food and agri Geographical Indications (GIs), and the identification of 708 unique food items under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative. He underscored the success of government initiatives like the 'Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana,' ensuring food security for 81 Crore people and preventing starvation deaths.
Economic Strengths and Culinary Delights
Goyal pointed out India's economic strengths as the fastest-growing large economy, attributing success to solid macroeconomic foundations and a youthful demographic dividend. He acknowledged the role of social media and global influencers in promoting Indian culinary delights, leading to the increased popularity of regional cuisines.
Empowering Women in the Food Sector
Emphasizing the pivotal role of women in the food sector, the Minister called for industry-wide collaboration, urging the sector to focus on frozen, packaged, and ready-to-eat foods. He advocated for skill development, university exchange programs, and startups, encouraging the industry to prioritize quality, nutrition, organic ingredients, and eco-friendly packaging.
Indus Food 2024: A Global Culinary Exchange
Expressing confidence in India's ability to host large-scale fairs, the Minister highlighted Delhi's potential as a global hub for expos. He announced ongoing and upcoming events, including the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Utsav, Bharat Mobility, and Bharat Tex, with a vision to set the stage for even larger exhibitions in 2025, culminating in India hosting the world's largest food fair and setting global benchmarks.
Goyal revealed plans for the India Global Culinary Exchange, inviting 20 top international chefs to experience India's culinary excellence firsthand.
