Rameshwar Teli, Minister of State for Food Processing Industries, on Thursday said that the food processing sector is one of the most promising sectors in our country with a high potential to grow in the future.

Speaking at 'FICCI FOODWORLD INDIA 2019' organized by FICCI, jointly with the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Teli said, "Our budget is of Rs 1,400 crore and the Ministry of Food Processing Industries will assist industrialists and young entrepreneurs to set up food processing industry in the country especially in the hilly terrains."

He also invited the industry and entrepreneurs to invest in the north eastern states. "Government will assist all the investors and industrialist to set up units in these states and especially in North East and Jammu Kashmir," he said.

While highlighting the offerings by Odisha government in the food processing sector Sanjeev Chopra, Principal Secretary, Department of Industries, Government of Odisha, said, "Food processing sector is identified as one of the priority sectors in Odisha and has immense potential. The Odisha government has taken various measures to maintain the cost of doing business and improve infrastructure in the state."

Siraj Hussain, former Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Food Processing Industries, Government of India, shared his concerns faced by the sector and said, "Due to the fall in prices, the farmers have suffered. The increase in food wastage has impacted the growth of the industry. We hope there are reforms that will increase development in the food processinginfrastructure and drive investment in agriculture."

Reema Prakash, Joint Secretary, Ministry for Food Processing Industries, Government of India said, "The Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojna will not only provide a big boost to the growth of food processing sector in the country but also help in providing better returns to farmers. It is a big step towards doubling of farmers income, creating huge employment opportunities especially in the rural areas, reducing wastage of agricultural produce, increasing the processing level and enhancing the export of processed foods."

Hemant Malik, Chair, FICCI Food Processing Committee & CEO- Food Division, ITC Ltd said, "India has moved from a food scarce to a food surplus nation and the industry is on track in terms of growth and profitability. The food processing sector has immense potential for value addition and its development synergizes the two pillars of economy i.e. industries andagriculture. Various government initiatives and reforms have resolved a lot of hurdles faced by the industry."

Mohit Anand, Co-Chair, FICCI Food Processing Committee & MD, Kellog's India said that the food processing sector has the potential of become a Rs 500 billion sector which will not only focus on improving farmer's income but also improve the employment and infrastructure and stay aligned with the country?s nutrition and health agenda.

A FICCI Centre of Excellence on Nutrition was also launched at the occasion with an objective to create greater awareness amongst stakeholders on the different aspects of nutrition and reformulation.

The daylong conference which focused on the future of food processing sector was attended by delegates from the sector.

The conference provided a platform for the industry to discuss innovations that could drive the industry and initiatives to attract investment in the sector. It also discussed the efforts taken to reduce the wastage and bring in sustainable measures to boost the food processing sector.