CII joins hands with NIFTEM: to focus on attaining Global excellence in Food Processing Sector

Addressing the Seminar-cum-Workshop on “Opportunities in the Food Processing Sector”, jointly organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India at Bangalore, Mr Aroon Raman, Chairman, CII Karnataka State Council, stated agriculture is the back bone of India with 60% of the population depending on it, yet the growth in this sector is much slower compared to the other sectors. Mr Raman stressed on the urgent need to bring about greater dynamism and greater thrust in this area.

Speaking at the Seminar Dr K Narayana Gowda, Vice Chancellor University of Agriculture Sciences, Bangalore informed that Indian processed food industry is estimated to be valued at 70 billion US $.  Highlighting the benefits offered by the sector, Dr Gowda stated that it is a sun rise sector for the state of Karnataka. He said that the need is to further enhance Government as well as private sector engagement in a major way in the Agriculture and Food Processing sectors in Karnataka.

Dr AS Bawa, Director, Defence Food Research Laboratory, stated that India has a potential to be the food power of the world but the Indian food sector is facing major problems. He also shared his knowledge and expertise in the field of Defense Food Research and spoke some of the latest technologies like Freeze Dried Technology etc.  

 Mr. S K Mohanty, Under Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing remarked that  taking the national advantages offered by Food processing industry into consideration the National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) is being set up by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries.  He emphasized that the institute will cater to the needs of all the stakeholders such as entrepreneurs, industry, exporters, policy makers, government and other research institutions. He urged all the stake holders involved in the programme to come forward and support the initiative to make it a success.

The key objective of the seminar is to create awareness amongst all the stakeholders and develop a strategic and time bound road map for this sector.

The programme provided a platform for an interaction amongst the major players and all the stake holders involved in food processing, food technology, quality, standards and senior and operational management of companies.

The seminar saw the participation of over 120 delegates including Governments officials, Private Sector Professionals, Entrepreneurs, Scientists and Students.