PHDCCI organized Food Processing Summit with the theme, 'Ensuring food security through processing and export'

The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry organized the Food Processing Summit 2023 with the theme, "Ensuring Food Security through Processing and Export" (2023: International Year of Millets) on 21 August at its headquarters in New Delhi.

Minhaj Alam, IAS, additional secretary, MOFPI, Govt. of India, chief guest of the Summit, said, Food security is very important, especially for a country like India with a large population, and further stressed the need to increase productivity. He informed the gathering about various schemes from MoFPI and the upcoming flagship event from the ministry, 'World Food India (WFI)'. He further elaborated how the ministry is working towards incentivizing the processors and entrepreneurs to expand on a global level and WFI is also one such initiative.

Alam emphasized that only 10% of what is produced in India undergoes processing. He stressed the need to minimize wastage and explained that the Government of India established MOFPI for this specific purpose. He further explained that the ministry is actively engaged in various schemes tailored to different categories, such as PMFME for the Micro sector and PMKSY for SMEs. He also highlighted that more than 1000 projects have been approved under PMKSY. Additionally, under PMFME, around 45000 micro units have received support so far, with a target of more than 2 lakh units.

However, he acknowledged numerous challenges within the food processing sector, including supply chain inefficiencies, food safety concerns, market demand fluctuations, and sustainability issues, all of which require attention and action.

Dr. Sudhanshu, secretary, APEDA in his address as a guest of honor emphasized the significance of processing and export in the context of the International Year of Millets. He pointed out that the country possesses a natural advantage with numerous clusters that have the potential to be leveraged by entrepreneurs to achieve greater heights. However, he highlighted the need for significant efforts in tertiary processing.

Dr. Sudhanshu acknowledged that the Indian government has launched various initiatives and schemes, creating a favorable environment for processors. Notably, schemes like the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme have been instrumental in assisting processors in scaling up their operations. Despite these positive steps, he pointed out that fragmented landholding remains a challenge, emphasizing that true progress can only be achieved through consolidation and coordinated efforts.

Speaking on publicizing of millets, especially as 2023 is the International Year of Millets, he mentioned that the millet industry has a lot of potential with many new products being introduced. This shows that our country is capable, and our entrepreneurs have great potential. He said we should continue to build on this and make it even better in the future. Finally, he asked PHDCCI to compile concise key takeaways from the event, suggesting what actions need to be taken next.

Saurabh Singhal, co-chair of, Agribusiness Committee, PHDCCI, said that the Indian food and agriculture Industry have made a significant stride in the last 3 decades. It met the challenge of securing the production of basic staples like rice and wheat to feed India’s population, however, the sector is yet to realize its full potential in terms of yield, processing, and exports.

"A strong, nurturing bridge is required to ensure that farm produce remains fresh beyond the production season. The development of a strong processing and storage infrastructure can contribute to achieving the goal of becoming a powerhouse by 2030. We are in need of sustainable solutions for agriculture and processing," added Singhal.

In the welcome address Mili Dubey, director, Agribusiness & Food Processing Committee, PHDCCI, elaborated on how PHDCCI has been working closely with the beneficiaries of the PMFME scheme for the past year. The scheme aims to benefit more than two lakh beneficiaries and to date, more than one lakh people have already benefited.

The Summit was sponsored by MoFPI, APEDA, ITC, D S Group, Bionutrients India, NIFTEM- Kundli (NIFTEM-K) as the knowledge partner, Small Farmers' Agriculture Consortium (SFAC) as the FPO partner, Krishi Jagran along with pro-MFG as the Media Partners, and supported by PHDCCI annual sponsors, DLF; Jindal Steel & Power; KLJ Group; Multani Pharmaceuticals; Marble City; MMG Group; Radico Khaitan; Uflex; Vestige; Eazy ERP Technologies; JK Tyre & Industries; Sagar Group of Industries; Superior Industries; Samsung India Electronics; Oswal Greentech; Apeejay Stya Group; Blossom Kochhar Beauty Products Pvt Ltd; DCM Shriram; R E Rogers; Trident Group; Ajit Industries; Bhagwati Plastic and Pipes Industries; Central Coalfields; DD Pharmaceutical; Hindware Sanitary; Jindal Steel; and more.