India at the Forefront of Global Food Security

Key Highlights from World Food India 2024

World Food Day, observed annually on October 16, not only raises global awareness of hunger but also inspires action for a sustainable future of food, people, and the planet. As part of this mission, India took center stage from September 19 to 22, when New Delhi's Bharat Mandapam became a global hub of culinary innovation during World Food India 2024 organised by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, the event attracted international stakeholders eager to explore cutting-edge advancements and trends shaping the food processing industry.

The Ministry, in collaboration with allied ministries and departments across all states and union territories, ensured strong representation, reflecting India's growing prominence in the global food landscape. Their concerted efforts aimed to position India as a leader in food security and innovation, aligning with the broader goals of World Food Day.

In an exclusive interview with senior journalist Chandan Kumar Chaudhary for Employment News, Shri Preetpal Singh, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, provided key insights into the landmark event and its impact. Here are the highlights of their conversation…

 Q: How successful was World Food India 2024 in promoting collaboration between global and Indian food sector stakeholders?

A. World Food India 2024 proved to be a pivotal event for the Indian food economy, fostering vital partnerships between Indian and international investors. Supported by eight ministries, six commodity boards, and representatives from 24 states, the event attracted an impressive 1,208 exhibitors and 715 international buyers across 15 country pavilions. It featured over 16,000 B2B and B2G meetings, along with an industry roundtable and a distinctive millet-focussed food street.

The event highlighted India's rising stature in the global food processing sector, generating significant investment interests and Memorandums of Under-standing (MoUs) valued at Rs. 33,129 crores. Additionally, six winners of the Startup Grand Challenge received cash prizes and are now being incubated by NIFTEM-T. A Letter of Intent was also signed between HDFC Bank and NIFTEM-K to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in food processing, while eight startups were selected for an incubation programme providing seed funding, expert mentoring, and net-working opportunities.

Q: How effective was the second edition of the Startup Grand Challenge in promoting innovation within the food startup ecosystem?

A. This year, the Ministry ramped up its efforts to nurture the startup ecosystem and drive innovation in the food processing and allied sectors by launching the second edition of the Startup Grand Challenge in collaboration with Startup India. The Ministry has long championed startups through various initiatives, establishing the National Institutes of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Management (NIFTEMs) in Haryana and Tamil Nadu, which are recognised as Institutes of National Importance. These institutes play a crucial role in advancing Research and Development (R&D) while fostering industry-academia collaborations and supporting entrepreneurial ventures.

This year's focus areas include:

·       Valorisation of waste and residue from agri-food value chains.

·       Development of novel technologies for nutritious and appealing food products.

·       Enhancing water use efficiency through process modifications.

Out of 240 applications received, six startups - Dharaksha Eco Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Billion Carbon Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Brahmaputra Techno Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., Proleri Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Clear Meat Pvt. Ltd., and Future Eco Ventures Pvt. Ltd. received incubation support from NIFTEM-K and were honored at World Food India 2024.

Q: How have events like World Food India strengthened India's position in the global food landscape?

A. The primary goal of World Food India is to establish India as a global food processing hub by highlighting its strengths across the agri-food value chain. This event serves as a vital platform for domestic and international stakeholders to explore investment opportunities, technology exchanges, and strategic partnerships in the food processing sector.

Moreover, it fosters collaboration between various stakeholders, encouraging knowledge sharing and boosting economic growth. Events like these illustrate how strategic partnerships and innovations can create a more resilient and diverse food ecosystem, providing invaluable insights for future initiatives aimed at global food security.

Q: What key achievements has your ministry accomplished over the past decade?

A. In the last ten years, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries has made substantial strides in enhancing India's food sector through initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY), the Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLIS), and the PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PMFME). These initiatives have developed the entire food processing value chain, from modern infrastructure to efficient supply chain management.

Under PMKSY, the Ministry has approved 1,653 projects so far, totaling Rs. 32,187.62 crore, attracting Rs. 22,992.54 crore in private investment. These projects are expected to generate 337.84 LMT/year of processing capacity and 108 LMT/year of preservation capacity, creating jobs for 13.55 lakh people and benefiting 51.56 lakh farmers. The PLIS-FPI has successfully drawn Rs. 8,837 crore in investments from 53 companies, surpassing targets and generating employment for 237,335 individuals. Meanwhile, the PMFME scheme has established the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative for 726 districts, providing loans to 97,668 enterprises and creating 339,000 jobs.

Looking forward, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries is committed to a transformative vision for India's food processing sector, with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and global leadership. Our strategy involves promoting sustainable practices across the food value chain by minimising waste and optimising resource efficiency. We are encouraging innovation through the integration of advanced technologies and modern production methods, supported by key initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI), Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY), and the PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme.

Strengthening infrastructure-particularly cold chain systems-is vital for reducing post-harvest losses and improving supply chain efficiency. Our commitment to inclusive growth aims to empower small and medium enterprises, enhance farmer incomes, and support rural development. These strategic initiatives are designed to position India as a global leader in the food processing industry, ensuring that our sector not only meets domestic needs but also sets new benchmarks internationally.

Q: How will the development of the food value chain contribute to a self-reliant and developed India?

A. Developing the entire value chain in food and allied sectors is essential for achieving a self-reliant and developed India. By strengthening infrastructure, fostering innovation, and promoting value addition, we can reduce post-harvest losses, enhance food security, and increase farmer incomes. Government initiatives such as 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the food processing sector, along with attractive schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, have significantly contributed to creating modern infra-structure and boosting value addition and exports of processed food products. This comprehensive approach will empower small and medium enterprises, generate rural employment, and improve market access for local produce. Furthermore, the promotion of indigenous products and the integration of modern technologies will enhance sustainability, increase export potential, and support the broader goal of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Q: Kindly shed some light on the employment and business opportunities for youth in the food processing sector?

A. The Government of India is actively promoting employment and business opportunities for youth in the food processing sector by fostering entrepreneurship, encouraging private invest-ment, and creating a supportive growth environment. The Ministry's flagship programmes have significantly generated jobs across both rural and urban areas. By backing startups, skill development initiatives, and micro-enterprises, the government empowers young people to explore new opportunities and contribute to the nation's economic growth.

Furthermore, targeted training in food processing technologies, packaging, and quality control is being offered through premier institutions like NIFTEM Kundli and Thanjavur, equipping youth with industry-relevant skills. To attract young talent, the government provides incentives such as grants and easy access to credit, encouraging entrepreneurial ventures in food processing. Outreach programmes also emphasise the sector's potential, highlighting how the fusion of traditional knowledge with modern technology creates an innovative and rewarding field.

Q: How significant is technological progress in the food processing sector, and how is the government supporting it?

A. Technological advancements are vital for transforming the food processing sector, improving efficiency, safety, and sustainability. The Government of India is committed to adopting and promoting cutting-edge technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), to propel sector growth. By utilising innovations like AI for predictive analytics and IoT for real-time monitoring, the government aims to modernise the industry, enhance productivity, and maintain India's competitive edge on the global stage.

Q: What is the government's approach to attracting investment in light of India's vast market and dynamic workforce?

A. The Government of India, through the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, is dedicated to attracting investments in the food processing sector by leveraging the country's expansive consumer market and its dynamic young workforce. Recognising India's potential as a global food hub, the government has implemented various policies to cultivate a favourable business environment for investors.

With a rapidly growing middle class and a skilled young workforce, India offers unique opportunities for investors to access a diverse and expanding market. The government's emphasis on innovation, technology adoption, and sustainable practices positions the food processing sector for long-term growth. Through strategic partnerships and global collaborations, the government seeks to enhance India's role in international food supply chains.

The Government of India is vigorously promoting the food processing industry through several key initiatives. It allows 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) through the automatic route for food processing and under government approval for trading, including e-commerce, of domestically produced food products. Additionally, the National Single Window System (NSWS) simplifies regulatory processes, making business operations more efficient.

These measures aim to boost investment, foster industry growth, and enhance the overall efficiency of the food processing sector. Initiatives like One District One Product (ODOP) further support the industry by promoting local specialties and strengthening regional food processing capabilities.

(The interviewer is Editor of New India Samachar. Feedback on this article can be sent to feedback.employmentnews@gmail.com) Views expressed are personal.