on’ble Union Minister Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal addresses Industrialists and Business Leaders of Karnataka in Bengaluru; Invites them to Take Part in World Food India

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Bengaluru, 18 August, 2017: With World Food India 2017 almost approaching, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Government of India, today organized World Food India Roadshow in Bengaluru. The high profile delegation for Bengaluru Roadshow was led Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Minister, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India. Hon’ble Union Minister Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal along with Shri. Krishna Byre Gowda, Minister for Agriculture, Government of Karnataka addressed the industrialists and business persons from the state, seeking their active participation in World Food India. The Bangalore roadshow was attended by more than 250 delegates.

World Food India 2017 is the platform for showcasing the food processing strength of India and an opportunity to connect with international and Indian key players in food processing and allied sectors. Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is the National Event Partner. The three day mega event ‘World Food India’ to be held in New Delhi from 3 – 5 November 2017.

Addressing the industry leaders at the roadshow, Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Minister, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India said “We are looking forward to the active participation of Karnataka in World Food India. We are eyeing to get 10 billion USD investment in food processing sector in next few years. The food processing industry can grow Multifood in coming years as Government has come up with numerous schemes & initiatives to create the conducive business environment. Setting up of 42 Mega Food Parks will lead to direct employment for up to 5 lakh and benefit 25 lakh farmers. The aim of these Mega Food Parks and SAMPADA scheme is to double farmers’ income. Reducing the plight of India farmers and making India a global food factory, centre has launched Scheme for Agro-Marine Produce Processing and Development of Agro-Processing Clusters (SAMPADA) with increase in output 2.5 times by year 2020. Food processing sector can help to achieve this goal as currently we are only processing 10% of entire raw products.

“We need to reduce the food wastage in the country. We lost 1 Lakh crore worth of post-harvest annually which can be saved if we set up the proper food processing facilities across the country” she further added.

 Hon’ble Union Minister discussed the investment and growth opportunities in food processing sector with business leaders. Furthermore, she briefed the business community about the Government schemes related to food processing industry and highlighted the benefits of Kisan Sampada scheme of the Central Govt for Farmers, FPOs, Corporates etc.  Kisan Sampada scheme will benefit 20 lakh farmers and generate 5,30,500 direct/ indirect employment in the country by the year 2019-20. Hon’ble Union Minister urged the business community of Karnataka for maximum participation in the event at New Delhi and look for new opportunities and collaboration with other Indian and global companies.

Speaking at the roadshow and highlighting the growth prospects in Karnataka, Shri. Krishna Byre Gowda, Minister for Agriculture, Government of Karnataka said “We welcome the Food Processing Ministry Initiative World Food India. Karnataka will participate in this initiative at full scale and we will lend all the required support to make it successful. World Food India will be a platform to showcase the strengths and opportunities of food processing sector of the country. Karnataka has a huge potential in the food processing industry as the state produces variety of fruits, vegetables and grain and is the top five producer of sunflower, coffee, onion, tamarin, tomato, cinnamon, papaya, mango, etc. in the country”.

“Farmers will be benefited when food retail becomes organized and we need to push for policies for promotion of organized food retail in the country” he further added

Speaking at the roadshow, Shri.  Maheshwar Rao, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Agri & Food Processing, Government of Karnataka said, Karnataka will participate in World Food India and are committed to support the World Food India. The state has huge opportunities in food processing sector and through Kisan Sampada scheme the state will get benefitted”.

World Food India has received overwhelming response from across the globe and it will see participation from over 25 countries. Italy has confirmed to be a Focus Country. The response from the Indian states has been very encouraging and more than 10 states to participate in World Food India. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Haryana, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh will be the Partner States of World Food India. Furthermore, Karnataka, West Bengal, Kerala, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh will be the Focus States of World Food India.

All leading giants from India and abroad in Food processing, food technology, technology & equipment players, cold chains & reefer transports, ingredients, food retailers will be present at World Food India. World Food India will provide a platform to showcase offerings and Services along the food value chain which includes production, processing, packaging, technology, equipment, storage, logistics or retail. 80 international food companies have confirmed their participation at World Food India. Also, 30 CEOs of international food companies will attend the CEO Roundtable at World Food India.