-KH News Desk
Delhi: Ms. Anita Praveen, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing, Govt of India said that the Indian agriculture sector is witnessing a robust growth with record levels of production and Food Processing sector has become one of the priority sectors for growth.
“We have already reached high levels of growth with the resources we have. There is a need now for the food processing sector with R&D as focus for taking the sector to the next level,” she reported.
Ms. Anita Praveen, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing, Govt of India shares that,” the food processing sector is one of the major generators of investment, especially in the micro and small sector and has the potential to bring in more private investment. The advantages of this sector are high availability of raw materials at a lower price, high consumers in both domestic and international markets. This is the time to give a push to the food processing industry”.
Emphasizing the importance of reducing food waste, Praveen noted that waste is an issue where we need to sort out waste and address farm level, transit and waste after processing.
To increase exports, the Secretary urged the industry to increase direct interaction with farmers and small and micro food processing units.
“The time is right to bring these micro units and link them with large industries. The downward linkage approach will be advantageous for large industries to control quality, maintain standards and have a sustained supply chain,” she emphasized.
She further stated that the industry should focus on educating the consumer, and we must adopt a balanced approach to this educational initiative. Consumers must know what they are consuming, and quality food production is the responsibility of the industry, added Ms Praveen.
Mr. Siraj Hussain, Advisor, FICCI Food Processing Committee and Former Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries and Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Govt of India said “The role of food processing in providing safe, healthy and nutritious food has now taken center stage”.
Sanjay Khajuri, Nestle India Ltd. CIFTI-FICCI President and Head of Commercial Affairs said that “the food processing sector is considered a sunrise sector and has made significant strides in modernization and sustainable economic growth in recent years.”
Dr. Seema Bathla, Professor Center for Regional Development Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi said that “India’s agri-food system has four main elements which include production, consumption, ecology and environment.” Jyoti Vij, Additional Director General, FICCI delivered the vote of thanks.
