Conclave Aims at Understanding the in-situ Issues Hindering the Growth of Food Processing Sector
Port Blair, Dec.9: The Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Govt. of India with the support of Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Kolkata and Directorate of Industries, Andaman & Nicobar Administration organized ‘Andaman Food Processing Conclave’ on 8th December, 2022 at Megapode Nest here. Agriculture and Food Processing is one of the major sectors of the Indian economy in view of its large potential for growth and likely socio-economic impact specifically on employment, wealth and income creation. The Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Govt. of India is taking initiatives to promote investment, Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme and awareness for up-gradation of technology in the food processing industries sector in Andaman through this Seminar where all important stake holders will meet and discuss critical issues pertaining towards development of industry in food processing sector.
The programme was aimed at understanding in-situ issues that are hindering the growth of Food processing sector and interventions required from Govt. of India towards promoting industrialization by addressing core issues hindering the growth of the Food Processing Industries in the Islands. Considering the potential of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Govt. of India and Indian Chamber of Commerce, Kolkata has taken this initiative to promote investment in the food processing industries sector in Andaman Nicobar Islands through Andaman Food Processing Conclave.
The Conclave was inaugurated by Ms. Veditha Reddy, IAS, Secretary (Industries), A&N Administration in the presence Shri G. Sudhakar, IAS, Secretary (Fisheries), A&N Administration. Shri Abhishel Bhukal, Director of Industries, Shri Surendra Prahladka, President, ACCI and Ms. Madhuparna Bhowmic, Director, Indian Chamber of Commerce, Kolkata.
In her inaugural speech, Secretary (Ind.) elucidated the scope of Food Processing Sector based on existing Agricultural and Marine resources, the inherent challenges which is inhibiting the sector’s growth and emphasized for finding solutions through consultation with stakeholders via Workshop/Seminar/Conclave for policy Intervention. She suggested for organizing similar programme targeting Coconut Industry and Fish Processing Sector separately. The Secretary (Fisheries) also dwelt on the existing gaps in the Fishing sector with respect to resources of A& N Islands and discussed about the areas where intervention from Govt. of India is required.
The Director of Industries outlined about the initiative of Industries Department to address the Food Processing Sector and deliberated on the challenges for implementation by the Department.
In her address, the Director, Indian Chamber of Commerce highlighted the objective of the Conclave and efforts of MOFPI to promote the FP Sector. The Inaugural session concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by the President, Andaman Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
This was followed by Technical Session on opportunities in Food Processing Sector with low cost & efficient technology, Food Safety, Quality assurance, modern packing methods and export promotion. The prominent experts and speakers from National Institute of Food technology Entrepreneurship (NIFTEM), Haryana, Central Food technological research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore, Coconut Development Board, Chennai, Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), ICAR-Central Islands Agricultural research Institute, NABARD, Invest India, State Bank of India and M/s Riflex Industries Pvt. Ltd. shared their thought and technical insight about the role of different institutions for promoting the Food Processing Sector.
At the end of the programme, the Forum was opened up for Q& A Session where the participants raised many issues and challenges faced in the day to day life for operating the industry. The informal discussion on many technical issues was addressed by the Experts from renowned Institution from mainland and Islands.