No.PR-166 July 16, 2020 New Delhi Chhattisgarh – A preferred Investment Destination for Food Processing Industries Chhattisgarh State Government plans to have 200 food parks in the near future; Mr. P. Arun Prasad, IFS, MD, Chhattisgarh State Industrial Development Corporation (CSIDC), urges PHD Chamber and its member stakeholders to invest in Chhattisgarh to grow their businesses many folds. The food processing sector is one of the sunrise sectors of the country. To understand the opportunities and challenges, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted an interactive session ‘Investment Opportunities in Food Processing Sector in Chhattisgarh’ with an august experts. Mr. P. Arun Prasad, IFS, MD, Chhattisgarh State Industrial Development Corporation (CSIDC) in his detailed presentation gave an overview of the state’s development, its priority towards the food processing sector, and few key policy initiatives undertaken to boost the growth of the sector. The state of Chhattisgarh is located at the heart of India 44% forest coverage and sharing borders with 7 states. A Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Rs. 3.29 Lakh Crores during FY 2019-2020; industry contribution of 46.19% to GSDP, Agriculture and allied sectors constitute 15% of the state GSDP with paddy, coarse grains, maize, wheat, groundnut, pulses, and oilseed are the major crops and the food in abundance which include mango, banana, guava, papaya, tomato, chili, and other spices, said Mr Prasad. Enlightening the participants about the advantages of doing business in Chhattisgarh, which includes Ease of Doing Business, pan-India Connectivity, and Agro-Ecology, Mr Prasad talked about the growth potential in the dairy and milk industry which can be extended to the nation. Chhattisgarh is also known as the rice bowl of the nation. Poultry, Meat, and Fishery industry is a core industry that has been at the forefront in exportation, added Mr Prasad. He further highlighted the investment opportunities in the food procession sector which included processing (agro and Horti produce); Cold Chain; Fertilizer Manufacturing; Agri Equipment Manufacturing; Dairy; Animal Feed Manufacturing and Poultry, Meat and other allied Sector. He discussed the industrial infrastructure support and growth opportunities which can be explored in the future. Mr. P. Arun Prasad discussed the industrial policy highlights which were categorization of industries in terms of General, Priority and High Priority; focusing on block-level development of industries across sectors; ensuring regional balanced growth by categorizing blocks as developed areas, developing areas, backward areas, and most backward areas; giving high priority for setting food parts at block level; development of herbal and minor forest produce based industry and many more. He also discussed the benefits of industry policy and land bank available in the state. Mr. S.S. Bajaj, IFS, Additional MD, Department of Minor Forest Produce, Govt of Chhattisgarh gave an in-depth presentation about the MFP Based Development Plan. Minor Forest Produce (MFP) means the produce from various forest species in the form of fruits, seeds, leaves, barks, roots, flowers, and grasses, etc., including the entire plant of medicinal herbs/shrubs. The vision is to facilitate the family for Minor Forest Produce and through self-help group to process at the district level and facilitate the industry to come and set up their industries, said Mr Bajaj. He discussed the different seeds which are targeted in this scheme and targeting herbal medicines which can help in the future developments of the scheme. He discussed the recent development in the scheme. Mr. Manoj Kumar Pingua, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Commerce & Industries, Government of Chhattisgarh shared gave insights about the Food processing sector, especially in Reserved Food crop, the growth potential of doing agriculture business in Chhattisgarh and the infrastructure support which can boost the food processing industry. Ms. Gunjan Goela, Vice President, Slow Food Chefs Alliance, Corporate Food Consultant, while moderating the session mentioned that Chhattisgarh has been a food basket for India with its people maintaining its landmass as forest cover which makes it natural friendly. She mentioned the potential of Mahua Seeds which have health and business benefits. Mr. SEUNGCHANG Ha, Chief Representative (India), Chungcheongnam-do Economic promotion Agency deliberated about the Chungcheongnam-do, it’s working and business expansion plans through online and offline works. He discussed the future of agriculture food processing in India and the world. He talked about joint ventures, industrial collations, and active foreign investments. Mr. Gobind Ram Choudhary, Co-Chair, Agri-Business, and Food Processing Committee, PHD Chamber in his welcome address talked about the benefits being given by the government in terms of subsidy and others. He said that due to COVID-19, food has been in the essential service that has tremendous export and business development opportunities. Mr. Shashank Rastogi, Chair, Chhattisgarh Chapter, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry while giving an introduction to all the esteemed delegates gave an industry outlook, its challenges, and opportunities. The session was moderated by Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, Principal Director, PHD Chamber, and attended by Dr Yogesh Srivastav, Principal Director, PHD Chamber. The session received extensive participation of more than 70 industry stalwarts pan-India. Ends Media Division PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry