MUMBAI: The second edition of World Food India 2023, launched by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India in 2017, commenced on November 3, 2023, in New Delhi. The three-day program aims to showcase India’s strengths in food production and processing, attract investment and collaborations in the food sector, and address pressing food-related challenges.
This year’s program has a special focus on millets as a food source, given that 2023 is being celebrated as the International Year of Millets, bringing together the global food processing industry. The program emphasized the growth and development of the food processing industry in India, focusing on areas such as food production, food packaging, logistics, and infrastructure, reaffirming its status as a global platform for addressing pressing food-related challenges.
Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, in his inaugural speech, highlighted the importance of the fusion of taste and technology in paving a new way for India, giving rise to a new future and economy. He also emphasized the three important contributors to the growth of the food sector in India: small farmers, small-scale industries, and women.
The World Food India program also had the distinct honor of hosting a distinguished array of dignitaries and ministers from various states, including Dr. M. Ampareen Lyngdoh, Cabinet Minister, Government of Meghalaya
While inaugurating the Meghalaya Pavilion at the event, Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh said, “This is an important linkage for our progressive farmers and cooperative societies. The work that the Government of Meghalaya has done for so many years, gets validated on a day like today. In my brief interaction with the Agri-entrepreneurs, I was very pleased to be informed that they have achieved a highly encouraging and very high turnover. This event is an international meeting of over 14000 buyers of products, Meghalaya today has come of age, and we must thank the Department of Agriculture, officers, and everyone involved who have helped to make this possible for Meghalaya. I would also like to thank the Government of India for allowing this to happen.”
To sustain and further enhance these efforts and boost farmers’ incomes, the Meghalaya Agriculture Marketing Board has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Lulu Group, with the support of Apeda and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, to establish a strategic partnership aimed at mutual growth and promoting agricultural products from Meghalaya in the GCC countries.
The World Food India stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the shared commitment to an India where food security and sustainable agriculture are not just aspirations but attainable realities. With diverse voices, global participation, and the rich tapestry of flavors from Meghalaya, this event has shone a spotlight on our collective journey toward a brighter, more nourished future.
