Potato processing units will increase employment in the state – Shrikanth Banoth IAS, Managing Director, MP Agro Industries Development

No. PR- 087
August 26, 2021
New Delhi

Potato processing units will increase employment in the state – Shrikanth Banoth IAS, Managing Director, MP Agro Industries Development

PHDCCI MP Chapter in association with MP State Agro Industries Development Corporation Ltd Govt of MP organized a webinar on PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme-Atmanirbhar Madhya Pradesh in Potato Processing.

Shri Shrikanth Banoth, IAS, Managing Director MP State Agro Industries Development Corporation while addressing the participants informed that there is a favorable environment in the state for potato processing, and potato is cultivated in about 60 thousand hectares. He added that potato processing will not only double the income of the farmers but will also make Madhya Pradesh self-sufficient in employment. He apprised that there are large number of micro units engaged in potato chips making exist in Indore.

Shri Kamal S Kirad Additional Director of Horticulture Department Govt of MP, , while stating the district-wise status of application under the Pradhan Mantri Micro Food Processing Industries Scheme, said that till now more than 200 applications have been received for potato processing industry from identified districts under One District One Product. Shri Kirad said that the Department of Aviation is coordinating with all the responsible agencies and departments and banks for the implementation of the scheme, under which meetings are being held with them from time to time.

Dr. Vijay Agrawal Agricultural Scientist Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya Jabalpur, informed about different varieties of potato which are used in processing. Mr. Agarwal said that since a farmer cannot install all the machines and structures related to the processing industry in individual capacity. therefore, with the help of farmer producer agencies and large industries, Common Facility Centers can be established so that there can be continuous supply of raw material for processing.

In the technical session, Potato Processing Specialist and Director, Procan Ventures P Ltd Mr. Nitin Aras told that despite India being second in potato production after China, we are behind in its processing, due to lack of proper value chain in this sector. Still only 17-18 percent of the processing industry comes in the organized sector, which is a hindrance in the development of potato processing. Mr. Aras further said that potato processing industry can be started at low cost. He added that if we prepare the product keeping in mind the demand of the market and the interest of the consumer, then success will surely come.

Shri Ramnath Suryavanshi, subject matter expert and CEO Global Food Tech, in his remarks emphasized on setting up small pilot projects on potato processing at district level so that people can come forward in this field by looking at these models.

Shri Suryavanshi ji, who is also the official trainer of food safety & standard, emphasized on the adoption of hygiene and decoction safety standards in food processing and also gave information about various licenses of the food department.

In the program, Ms. Akanksha Sharma, Technical Professional of the PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Unit Scheme, Ministry of Food Processing Govt of India, gave detailed information about the PMFME scheme to the participants. As another speaker in the program, Mr. Pankaj Sharma Managing Director Packaging Solutions gave information about various machines used in potato processing.

The program was moderated by Dr. Yogesh Srivastava, Assistant Secretary General, PHD Chamber.Welcome address was delivered by Shri Pradeep Karambelkar, Chair PHDCCI MP Chapter.

Mrs. Preeti Saluja Co Chair, PHD Chamber, Madhya Pradesh proposed the vote of thanks.

More than 100 Progressive farmers from Indore, Gwalior, Chhindwara and Dewas, along with industrialists and nodal officers of Horticulture Department participated in the program. Also many people watched the session through common screen.

PHDCCI’s Webinar was supported by DLF India; Multani Pharmaceuticals; UFLEX; JK Tyre & Industries; Marble City; Paramount Cables; SMC Investments and Advisors; Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic; Comtech Interio; DCM Shriram Industries; Radico Khaitan; R.E. Rogers India; Ajit Industries; Synergy Environics; Continental Carriers PVT LTD; Timberworkz; Jindal Stainless; Modern Automobiles; P S Bedi & Co; IFFCO and Hindware.

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Media Division

PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry