“It is imperative that we first get hold of the grond realities and find innovative solutions suiting to our agroclimatic & cultural requirements. Adopting models from other countries is neither feasible nor scientific. Like for example GST on Mango pulp & Mango Puree must be differentiated since both have alternate perishability dates. We request the government to also help by letting adjudications take place within the state and not outside, that will give more time to producer for his /her produce”, said Dr. Subodh Jindal, immediate Past President, AIFPA & MD., Excelsior Food & Chemical Industries
Dr Jindal was addressing the Food Industry’s concerns to Shri Prahlad Singh Patel, Hon’ble Minister of State (MOS) for Ministry of Food Processing and Jal Shakti of India, during the 16th ANUTEC – International FoodTec India 2022, India’s largest International Exhibition for Food & Drink Technology.
While Addressing the Industry’s challenges Shri Patel said “Reducing compliance alone will not be sufficed for the growth of Food Processing sector, as there’s also an urgent need to adopt the right techniques and momentum for processing our farm outputs. The storage life is short for fruits & vegetables as its maturity index lies somewhere between 4.62 to 15.16, whereas grains & pluses still has a longer shelf life. The earliest food sampling can ensure that the quality doesn’t degrade with time. Similarly, there are other such gaps in food processing that need to be bridged, as overcoming these challenges will ensure food security and make country self-sufficient in food, Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
While commenting on Sustainability of Food Processing Industry, Mr. Milind Dixit, Managing Director, Koelnmesse India YA Trade Fairs Says “With a strong agricultural background and several favourable trends supporting its progress, the Indian food processing industry has an appetite to create global food brands. India can become a food factory as our organic and super foods stand out in the global market. We need to continue to focus on Brand India, quality first, minimum governance, maximum control for quality & output, farmer’s safety & growth, innovative processing solutions and smart equipment, and the country could be well on its way to carve a niche for itself in the Global Food processing sector.”
As India’s only international supplier fair, 16th Anutech covers all aspects of food production. Here, the industry presents its latest innovations and technological visions – from process technology to filling, food and new-age packaging materials to digitalization and intralogistics.
“India is a leading producer for millets (40%), but do we have the right technique to process it? Government can only provide financial support to the sector through various schemes and policies such as PLI, but it’s only by deploying the technological know how’s and world-class machines that can expedite the growth of the sector. India has the potential to fill the demand gaps in the Global Food market. But it’s about time that the industry, scientists and government work together to create a roadmap to take the industry forward.” Further continued Shri Patel.
“There are many similar actions that we want the Government to look into. We also request the government to provide hand holding for purchase of advanced machines at low cost” added Mr. Jindal.
According to a recent report by FICCI, India’s food production industry is worth over $400 billion. Furthermore, India is the leading provider of Agri commodities.
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