The 11th edition of CII Agro Tech, organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in partnership with Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India was inaugurated by Chief Minister of Punjab Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister of Haryana Manohar Lal Khattar and Premier of Saskatchewan (Canada) BradWall in Chandigarh.
The chief guest, Food and Safety Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) chairperson Ashish Bahuguna said, “Food safety is an important ingredient that has to be accounted for in the value-chain of food processing. We are working to set standards and also improve inefficiencies that result as a result of fragmented land holdings.”
On the theme of Building Global Competitiveness, the event showcased the best and latest in Indian Agriculture and Allied Sectors produced, manufactured and practiced in India and abroad, making it a significant platform for business partnerships worldwide.
In his special address, Rakesh Bharti Mittal, Vice-President, CII & vice-chairman, Bharti Enterprises Ltd, said, “The last big thing which happened was the Green Revolution. The food processing sector is lagging behind, in terms of adopting global standards, especially in case of perishables. With food processing, there is an opportunity to tackle wastage as well. Jobs will also be created. The government has allowed 100% investment in FDI in retail and hence Indian private sector will soon see large investments.”
This trade fair brought all the stakeholders of this industry, i.e. Government- Central & State, policy makers, industry, research organizations, academicians, farmers, agronomists, NGOs, and Indian & foreign companies related toAgriculture&Allied Sectors onto one platform to explore business opportunities.
Speaking on ’Make In India – Opportunities in Food Processing Sector’ Rumjhum Chatterjee, Chairperson, CII Northern Region and Group Managing Director, Feedback Infra Pvt Ltd, said, “Agriculture is a vital sector for the country as 58% or more of the rural population depends on the sector for primary livelihood. Make in India and doubling farmers’ income by 2020 remain the country’s key goals. As we improve productivity, the food processing industry will have to work hard to tackle more input. The government has set out an ambitious target to increase the level of food processing to 25 per cent of total food production by 2025 and we must deliver.”