Agriculture has the potential of being Self-Reliant by being Vocal for Local

No. PR- 311 November 4, 2020 New Delhi Agriculture has the potential of being Self-Reliant by being Vocal for Local The food processing sector is the champion sector and agriculture has the potential for being self-reliant by being vocal to local, deliberated Shri Rameshwar Teli, Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of Food Processing Industry in the inaugural session organized by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry on 6th INDIA FARM2FORK International Conference, Exhibition and Buyer-Seller Meets, themed “Aatmanirbhar Bharat – PRODUCE LOCAL SELL GLOBAL”. Shri Rameshwar Teli while appreciating the diligent efforts of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry to focus on the agri-business sector, deliberated about the various schemes and initiatives undertaken by the ministry in the food processing sector. He mentioned that under Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana, there will be the creation of employment opportunities and modern infrastructure with efficient supply chain management from farm gate to retail outlet. This will not only provide a big boost to the growth of the food processing sector in the country but also help in providing better returns to farmers and is a big step towards doubling of farmers income, reducing wastage of agricultural produce, increasing the processing level and enhancing the export of the processed foods. He discussed the benefits of Operation Green Scheme that will help transport, and storage management of various fruits and vegetables. He informed about the Krishi rail and Krishi udaan that will foster smooth transportation of produce across the country. He stressed on the MOFPI scheme for unorganised sector. Dr. C Vasudevappa, Vice-Chancellor, NIFTEM talked about the impact of the pandemic on the sector in terms of transportation and distribution, emphasized the need for a strong network of the supply chain, skill development, and education. He discussed the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Enterprises (PM FME), which will help in bringing in new technology, apart from affordable credit to help small entrepreneurs penetrate new markets helping in empowering food entrepreneurs and producers. He deliberated that policies need to be developed to make the local supply chain strong that will help in meeting the demands of the global supply chain at the same time ensuring food security is maintained. There has to be market accessibility to produces at the entrepreneur level that will help in direct reach and purchase. There need to more IT support at the grass-root level so that technology can spread itself at the farmer level. Ms. Aum Phub Zam, President, Bhutan Chamber of Commerce & Industry apprised about the deep-rooted relationship shared between India and Bhutan that needs to be further expanded to business relations to explore business partnership which will increase opportunities in the future. Mr. Ankur Aggarwal, MD, Crystal Crop Protection Ltd while talking about the role of industry in farm to fork, mentioned that food processing and agriculture are the pivotal sectors to the economy in making India self-reliant. He also mentioned that support of the government and industry can help in giving green, safe resources and updated technology to the farmers. Mr. H P Singh, Founder & Director, Ambe Group discussed the transition and development in the Indian agriculture sector and its global recognition, especially of spices. He also discussed the change in the mindset of the consumer and the need to support infrastructure and upgrade technology in making this sector prosperous. Mr. Pradeep Multani, Senior Vice President, PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry in his welcome address deliberated about the importance of Agribusiness as one of our focus sectors of the PHD Chamber and, we stand in full solidarity in the goal of doubling farmers income. He applauded the government’s initiatives that promise to enhance farmers’ incomes, facilitate selling and trading, and encourages industry to participate in agribusiness and Agri infrastructure creation. He also appreciated the Ministry of Food processing initiatives towards attracting investment and modernizing processing technology through schemes like the Kisan Sampada Yojana, mega food park scheme, etc. Mr. Multani discussed the importance of the Agriculture sector in making India ATMA NIRBHAR and, the need of the hour is to strengthen the MSME sector and motivate it to increase the processing of food in the country and to concentrate on the market-led production. He also emphasized the need to focus on food security so that the food quality can be standardized and according to the pricing can be maintained for business development. Mr. N K Aggarwal, Chair, Agriculture & Food Processing, PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry mentioned that we need to look at farm mechanization and ensuring that customers have access to quality products at affordable prices. He discussed the quality of Agri-product and export. He said that the industry needs to come forward and need to collaborate with the farmers so that there is an improvement in the quality and pricing. There need for education imparted to the farmers to empower them in the field of technology and skill development. Talking about the food processing industry, he discussed that there needs to be developed in the infrastructure so that this sector can hit the boom again. He also emphasized the need for development in the FPO contract. Mr. Saurabh Sanyal, Secretary-General, PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry proposed a formal vote of thanks to all the delegates and participants, mentioned that the industry at the center and state level need to create a partnership between the farmers and customers so that they both are directly benefitted from each other. The session was moderated by Ms. Mallika Verma, Director, Agriculture & Food Processing PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and also witnessed the presence of Mr. Saket Dalmia, Vice President, PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The session was attended by many industry stalwarts around the world. The Session was supported by Crystal Crop Protection Limited; German Development Cooperation (GIZ); Ambe Group; ITC; Olam Agro India; Sooperfoods; Anmol Industries; Bayer; Grasim Industries-Unit Indo Gulf and Dayal Group. The Supporting partners of the webinar was Indigram Labs; Crop Life India; Agro-Chem Federation of India (ACFI); Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry joined along with their members and also participated in the EXPO. Ends Media Division PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry