PM Modi’s Make in India has boosted food processing industry: Experts

Piruz Khambatta — chairman, Food and Bev Tech 2016 and chairman, Rasna Private Ltd — said the industry was steering ahead due to rapid advances being made in the field of information technology and international best practices being incorporated as a part of expertise introduced by the companies. Stressing the need for the growth of the sector, he said, “A developed food processing industry will reduce wastages, ensure more value addition and generate additional employment opportunities. Besides, export earnings will increase and it will lead to better socio-economic condition of farmers and their families.”

He added that an expansion in the food processing industry would increase the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of agricultural sector in return.

Surakshit Khadya Abhiyan chairman, S Dave, in his special address harped on the importance of food as an important ingredient which he said has to be accounted for in the value chain of food processing.

Ashwini Malhotra — co-chairman, Food and Bev Tech 2016 and MD, Weikfield Foods Pvt Ltd — said traditional farming must give way to organic farming. He added that tremendous opportunities were opening in the field of manufacturing organic products.