In a significant move to promote the upcoming World Food India 2024 event, Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Shri Chirag Paswan, and Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries and Railways, Shri Ravneet Singh, today launched the official website and mobile application for the event. The launch serves as a precursor to the 3rd edition of World Food India, scheduled from 19th to 22nd September 2024.

In his keynote address, Shri Chirag Paswan emphasized the critical role of the food processing sector in reducing agricultural wastage, promoting value addition, ensuring food security, and strengthening the supply chain from farm to fork. He highlighted the Government of India’s comprehensive approach to the holistic development of the food and allied sectors, aiming for an Atma Nirbhar (self-reliant) and Viksit Bharat (developed India).

Shri Paswan outlined the Ministry’s implementation of flagship schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY), Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLIS), and Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) to support and sustain the sector’s growth.

The Minister announced that World Food India 2024, the nation’s largest food event, aims to foster collaboration and partnerships among global and Indian food sector stakeholders. The event will also feature the 2nd edition of the Startup Grand Challenge in collaboration with Startup India, promoting the startup ecosystem and fostering innovation. The previous edition in 2023 saw remarkable success, with 1,208 exhibitors, 715 international buyers from 90 countries, 24 states, and 75,000 attendees. The event included over 16,000 B2B/B2G meetings, roundtable discussions, 47 thematic sessions, MoU signings, exhibitions, and a startup grand challenge, showcasing India’s prowess in the food processing sector on a global platform.

In his special address, Shri Ravneet Singh highlighted the transformative potential of India’s food processing sector, stating that advancements in food processing technologies could turn agricultural wealth into a robust economic force. He emphasized the government’s proactive stance in promoting investments through various reforms and leveraging India’s expansive market and dynamic young workforce.

Shri Singh pointed out the importance of the upcoming mega event, which will bring together stakeholders from all facets of the food industry, including manufacturers, producers, investors, policymakers, and global organizations. He urged everyone to support the Ministry’s efforts to maintain the momentum of growth, emphasizing that collective action and shared vision can drive significant advancements and strengthen India’s position in the global food ecosystem.

Smt. Anita Praveen, Secretary FPI, highlighted that WFI 2024, like its previous edition, is an industry-driven inclusive event hosted by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries. She expressed gratitude for the tremendous participation in the previous edition and extended an invitation to senior government dignitaries, global investors, business leaders, and stakeholders such as food processors, equipment manufacturers, logistics and cold chain players, technology providers, startups, and food retailers to the 4-day flagship event.

The launch of the website and mobile app marks a significant step towards the successful organization of World Food India 2024, facilitating better engagement and participation from stakeholders worldwide.