By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, July 15, 2017 : Almost about one third of the food fit for consumption is getting wasted in the country. This has led the Indian government to focus on food processing, which has been identified as a priority sector.

“Over the next three years, we are expecting food processing industry to witness an investment of about Rs 50,000 to 60,000 crore from Indian as well as global companies. The World Food India event in New Delhi is a golden opportunity for every business related to food processing as it will bring all stakeholders of the ecosystem together, showcase our strengths and explore collaboration opportunities,” said, J.P. Meena, Secretary, ministry of food processing industries (MoFPI).

Speaking at the Roadshow organised by MoFPI in collaboration with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) here pitching Odisha as an attractive investment destination in the food processing sector, Meena urged the Odisha government to develop food processing industry in clusters as it requires special infrastructure and said that if these infrastructure can be made available at a nominal rate then the industry will witness an exponential growth in the state.

He also called upon the business community of Odisha for maximum participation in the event at New Delhi and look for new opportunities and collaboration with other Indian and global companies. He also added that Odisha has made large strides in the food processing sector and the state’s policy and regulation has made it easier for investors for doing business in the state.

The MoFPI is organising World Food India from 3rd to 5th November 2017 in New Delhi to showcase the food processing strength of India.

Highlighting the growth prospects in the state Odisha, minister for micro, small and medium enterprises, (MSME) Prafulla Samal, said “Odisha has extended its support to the Ministry of Food Processing for the World Food India event in New Delhi and we will be one of the focus states for the event. I am delighted to see such large turnout at the Bhubaneswar Roadshow and I am confident that through this event the vibrant agro and food processing industry of the state will benefit and will witness exponential growth and generate many employment opportunities.”

Welcoming the dignitaries and the business community of Odisha, Dr Tapan Kumar Chand, chairman, CII, Odisha and National Aluminium Company Ltd [Nalco] chairman and managing director, said “Food processing industry in Odisha is excited by the efforts of Ministry of Food Processing and feels optimistic that these efforts will transform the food economy of the country. The mega event in New Delhi will showcase the massive opportunities in food processing industry and also bring together Indian and global companies in the sector. The event which will be in line of Make in India will aim to make India an ideal destination for investments in food processing.”