World Food India (WFI) 2024, an event dedicated to showcasing opportunities in the food processing sector, saw Chirag Paswan, India's Minister of Food Processing Industries, engage in key discussions with agricultural leaders from Liberia and Djibouti.
Paswan met with Moses Gbanyan, Regional Agriculture Coordinator from Liberia, to explore potential collaborations in the trade and food processing sectors. The meeting focused on ways to enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly in boosting trade in agricultural products and advancing food processing techniques.
Paswan emphasised the growing importance of the food processing industry in global trade, positioning it as a catalyst for economic growth in both nations.
In a separate meeting, Chirag Paswan also interacted with Mohamed Ahmed Awaleh, the Agriculture Minister of Djibouti. They discussed future collaboration, especially in areas such as food processing, trade, and agricultural development.
Paswan highlighted the value of sharing knowledge and expertise between India and Djibouti, pointing out how cooperation in the food sector can benefit both countries. The discussions were part of a broader initiative by India to strengthen international partnerships in the agricultural sector and build lasting ties with African nations.
The food processing sector holds a crucial position in India's ambition to become the "food basket of the world." Recognizing this, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries has been implementing strategies to attract investments in various sub-segments.
This includes backward linkages to ensure consistent supply of raw materials, investments in food processing equipment, research and development in processing technologies, and innovations in cold chain storage solutions. By addressing every aspect of the food value chain, the ministry aims to enhance India's food production capabilities while fostering innovation and sustainability.
World Food India 2024, which kicked off in Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, has brought together major global and Indian players from the food processing and allied sectors.
The exhibition, which began on Thursday, provides a platform for participants to showcase their strengths, discuss emerging trends, and explore collaborative opportunities in food processing and agriculture.
Country pavilions have been set up to highlight the unique capabilities of participating nations, while state pavilions feature the best of India’s agricultural and horticultural clusters, infrastructure, and policies.
These pavilions allow countries and Indian states to present their products and innovations, facilitating deeper connections across the global food processing ecosystem.
The event also focuses on India's role as a leader in food processing, highlighting the government's efforts to attract international investment. With India’s diverse agricultural production and its growing expertise in processing, the nation is positioning itself as a key player in the global food supply chain.
The Indian government has taken significant steps to support this sector, including promoting start-ups, enhancing logistical and retail networks, and encouraging R&D investments to improve food processing methods. These efforts are aligned with the country's long-term goal of becoming a major global supplier of processed food.
The origins of World Food India can be traced back to 2017, when the Ministry of Food Processing Industries launched the first edition of the event to celebrate India's rich culinary heritage and draw investment into the country’s diverse food processing sector.
Since then, the event has grown significantly, becoming a crucial platform for global dialogue on food processing. The second edition of World Food India, held in 2023, coincided with the International Year of Millets, further underlining India’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in food production.
This edition saw global participation and collaboration, reflecting the growing importance of food processing in addressing food security and global trade challenges.
As the 2024 edition unfolds, it serves as an important reminder of India’s potential in the global food industry and its efforts to become a hub for food processing innovation.
Through events like WFI, India aims to build stronger partnerships, attract investments, and develop technologies that will transform its agricultural landscape, offering immense opportunities for international collaboration.
The meetings between Chirag Paswan and agricultural leaders from Liberia and Djibouti are emblematic of this vision, signalling India’s commitment to working with global partners to create a more resilient and innovative food processing sector.
Follow us
