Minister calls on industry to focus on frozen, packaged and ready-to-eat foods
India’s agricultural exports stood at an aggregate of about US$53 billion while processed food exports grew 150% over the last nine years, Food & Public Distribution Minister Piyush Goyal said at the inauguration of ‘Indus Food 2024’ on 8 Jan 2024.
He emphasized the need for large-scale food processing, product branding, and export focus to provide better value to farmers, generate employment, and enhance the country’s earnings.
Addressing delegates at the India Exposition Mart, Greater Noida, the Minister highlighted the burgeoning demand for Indian foods globally.
He underscored the country’s diverse agro-climatic zones, 158 food and agri Geographical Indications (GIs), and the identification of 708 unique food items across districts under the One District One Product (ODOP) national initiative.
Goyal also highlighted the richness of Indian cuisine, noting its distinctive flavors, spices, and aromas.
He urged the industry to focus on frozen, packaged, and ready-to-eat foods, encouraging skill development, university exchange programs, and startups in the sector.
The Minister urged the industry to prioritize quality, nutrition, organic ingredients, and eco-friendly packaging, underscoring the significance of promoting food nutrition and sustainability.
Goyal praised the significant success and outstanding achievements of the seventh edition of Indus Food, hailing it as the epicenter for food and beverage excellence in South Asia.
He highlighted the international prominence of the event, revealing plans for India Global Culinary Exchange, welcoming 20 top international chefs to experience the country’s culinary excellence firsthand.
Expressing confidence in India’s capacity to host the world’s largest fairs, the Minister emphasized Delhi’s potential as a global hub for various expos.
Envisioning 2025 as the year for multi-venue, large-scale shows, he aspired for India to host the world’s largest food fair, setting global benchmarks. Fiinews.com
