By Mewati Sitaram – Mumbai
The Ministry of Food Processing Industry (MoFPI), in collaboration with the Knowledge Chamber of Commerce and Industry, recently hosted a significant Regional Industry Meet in a renowned five-star hotel in the suburbs. This gathering aimed at bringing together key players from the food processing industry and its allied sectors in Maharashtra was part of MoFPI’s efforts to shed light on and foster participation in the upcoming ‘World Food India 2024’. Set to take place in September 2024 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, this mega event is being organized by the Government of India to position the country as a global food hub.
The meet was inaugurated by Shri. Sanoj Kumar Jha, IAS, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, alongside notable figures such as Shri. Dr. Mangesh Gondavale, IAS, Managing Director of Maharashtra Agro Industries Development Corporation (MAIDC), and Dr. Amit Joshi, Director of the Knowledge Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The event saw participation from various government dignitaries, state associations, and over fifty delegates from the Maharashtra Food Processing Industry, discussing the sector’s development, upcoming events, and the government’s support through various subsidies and incentives under the PMFME scheme.
Shri. Sanoj Kumar Jha emphasized India’s status as the fastest-growing major economy and the world’s 5th largest, highlighting the regional business meet’s role in enhancing investment sentiments among local establishments in the Food Processing & Allied Sectors. The ‘World Food India 2024’ event was promoted as a platform to showcase India’s prowess in ready-to-eat (RTE) and ready-to-cook (RTC) sectors, organic produce, and indigenous processed foods, aiming to foster global collaboration in the food processing industry.
Dr. Amit Joshi, Dr. Mangesh Gondavale, Sanoj Kumar Jha and Dr. Kishore Navandar at the launch event. (Photo: Mewati Sitaram)
Dr. Mangesh Gondavale shared MAIDC’s commitment to supporting agriculture and agro-based industries in Maharashtra, focusing on empowering the farming community and assisting entrepreneurs under government schemes. He lauded ‘World Food India’ as a pivotal initiative for global empowerment of the food processing industry.
Dr. Kishore Navandar and Dr. Amit Joshi also shared their perspectives on the importance of such meets and the ‘World Food India 2024’ event in promoting India as a global agri-food hub and meeting the changing demands of Indian consumers for processed foods and nutraceuticals. They stressed the role of the government in facilitating ease of doing business and connecting Indian manufacturers with global markets, underscoring the need for continuous engagement through such industry meets to encourage startups and propel India towards progress.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
