New Delhi: As a precursor to the 3rd edition of World Food India, Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Chirag Paswan, and Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries and Railways, Ravneet Singh, launched the official website and mobile application for World Food India 2024. The launch event highlighted the significance of the upcoming mega food event scheduled to take place from 19th to 22nd September 2024.
In his keynote address, Minister Chirag Paswan emphasized the critical role of the food processing sector in minimizing agricultural wastage, enhancing value addition, ensuring food security, and strengthening the supply chain from farm to fork. He noted that the Government of India, through a comprehensive and inclusive approach, is committed to the holistic development of the food and allied sectors. This initiative aligns with the national goals of achieving Atma Nirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and Viksit Bharat (developed India).
Paswan highlighted the Ministry’s flagship schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY), Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLIS), and Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME). These schemes aim to support and sustain the growth of the food processing sector.
World Food India 2024, the nation’s largest food event, aims to foster collaboration and partnerships among global and Indian stakeholders in the food sector. Paswan announced the launch of the 2nd edition of the Startup Grand Challenge in collaboration with Startup India, aimed at boosting the startup ecosystem and fostering innovation.
Reflecting on the success of World Food India 2023, Paswan noted that the event had witnessed 1,208 exhibitors, 715 international buyers from 90 countries, 24 states, and 75,000 attendees. The event featured over 16,000 B2B/B2G meetings, roundtable discussions, 47 thematic sessions, MoU signings, exhibitions, and a startup grand challenge, showcasing India’s prowess in the global food processing and allied sectors.
In his special address, Minister of State Ravneet Singh emphasized the transformative potential of India’s food-processing sector. He highlighted the advancements in food-processing technologies that could turn agricultural wealth into a robust economic force. Singh noted the government’s proactive stance in promoting investments through various reforms and leveraging India’s expansive market and dynamic young workforce.
Singh underscored the importance of the upcoming mega event, stating that it would bring together stakeholders from all facets of the food industry, including manufacturers, producers, investors, policymakers, and global organizations. This unique gathering aims to foster collaboration and innovation, contributing to the sector’s overall development. He urged everyone to support the Ministry’s efforts to maintain the momentum of growth and strengthen India’s position in the global food ecosystem.
Anita Praveen, Secretary of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, highlighted that World Food India 2024 will be an industry-driven, inclusive event hosted by the Ministry. She expressed gratitude for the tremendous participation in the previous edition and extended an invitation to senior government dignitaries, global investors, business leaders, and stakeholders like food processors, equipment manufacturers, logistics and cold chain players, technology providers, startups, and food retailers to the 4-day flagship event.
With the launch of the website and mobile app, preparations for World Food India 2024 are now officially underway, promising an exciting and collaborative platform for the global food industry.