On 19 June 2024, at 2:15 PM in Delhi, Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan and Minister of State for Food Processing Industries and Railways Ravneet Singh unveiled the official website and mobile app for World Food India 2024, marking preparations for its third edition.
During his address, Chirag Paswan stressed the pivotal role of the food processing industry in reducing agricultural waste, boosting value addition, ensuring food security, and fortifying the farm-to-fork supply chain. He highlighted the Indian government’s commitment to holistic development across food and related sectors, aiming for a self-sufficient and advanced India.
Paswan outlined key initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY), Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLIS), and Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) aimed at fostering sustainable growth in the sector.
He announced that World Food India, India’s largest food event, will take place from 19th to 22nd September 2024, featuring the second edition of the Startup Grand Challenge in collaboration with Startup India to promote innovation in the burgeoning startup ecosystem. The 2023 edition of World Food India saw impressive participation with 1,208 exhibitors, 715 international buyers from 90 countries, and 75,000 attendees, along with over 16,000 B2B/B2G meetings, roundtable discussions, thematic sessions, MoU signings, exhibitions, and the Startup Grand Challenge, showcasing India’s strengths in food processing and allied sectors on a global scale.
In his remarks, Ravneet Singh highlighted the transformative potential of India’s food processing sector, noting advancements in technology that can elevate agricultural wealth into significant economic prowess. Singh emphasized the government’s proactive approach in attracting investments through reforms and leveraging India’s expansive market and dynamic youth workforce.
Singh emphasized the upcoming mega event’s significance, bringing together stakeholders from diverse sectors including manufacturers, producers, investors, policymakers, and global organizations. The event aims to foster collaboration and innovation, contributing to overall sectoral growth. He urged support for the Ministry’s efforts to sustain growth momentum, aiming to propel substantial advancements and strengthen India’s global position in the food ecosystem.
Anita Praveen, Secretary FPI, reiterated that World Food India 2024 will build on past successes as an industry-driven, inclusive event. She expressed gratitude for previous participation and invited senior government officials, global investors, business leaders, and stakeholders from food processing, equipment manufacturing, logistics, cold chain, technology, startups, and retail sectors to participate in this flagship four-day event.
