World Food India 2023 | 22 May 2023

Why in News?

In celebration of the International Year of Millets in 2023, India's Ministry of Food Processing Industries will be organizing the second edition of 'World Food India 2023', which aims to showcase India's rich food culture and attract global investments in the diverse food processing sector.

• The event will take place from 3^rd-5^th November 2023 in New Delhi.

What is World Food India 2023?

• About:
  • World Food India 2023 is a gateway to the Indian food economy, facilitating partnerships between Indian and foreign investors.
  • It will be a one-of-a-kind gathering of manufacturers, producers, food processors, investors, policymakers, and organisations from across the global food ecosystem.
  • It is a promising platform to showcase, connect and collaborate in retail, processing, technology transfer, manufacturing, and cold chain logistics, along the global food value chain.
    • It will showcase investment opportunities in backward linkages, processing equipment, research and development, cold chain storage, start-ups, logistics, and retail chains.
• Focus Pillars:
  • Shree Anna (Millets): Leveraging India’s Super Food for the World
    • Millets are ancient grains that have been part of India’s rich heritage for millennia.
      • They are super foods that provide high nutrition, gluten-free options, climate resilience, and eco-friendliness.
      • Millets can enhance food security, nutrition security, and sustainability in the face of global challenges such as climate change, population growth, and malnutrition.
    • The United Nations has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023) with the aim of increasing the production and consumption of millets worldwide.
  • Exponential Food Processing: Positioning India as the Global Hub
    • India has a vision to become a global hub for food processing and create a competitive advantage for itself in the world food market.
    • To achieve this vision, India intends to boost its enablers that can support and accelerate its food processing industry.
    • One of the key enablers is Financing Agri Food Value Chains. Providing adequate and affordable credit to the food processing sector, especially to the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that constitute a major part of the industry is one of the key focus areas of India.
  • Strategic Segments: Unlocking Potentials for Growth
    • India has a dynamic and diverse food processing industry that encompasses several sub-sectors such as marine products, fruits and vegetables products, meat and poultry products, RTE/RTC (packaged foods), and dairy products.
      • These sub-sectors have immense potential for growth in terms of production, consumption, exports, and value addition.
    • India is one of the world's largest producers and consumers of food products.
      • India leads the world in the production of milk, bananas, mangoes, papayas, guavas, ginger, okra and buffalo meat, ranks second in the production of rice, wheat, potatoes, garlic, cashew nuts.
  • Efficient Ecosystem - Harnessing Opportunities with Inclusion
    • An efficient and all-encompassing ecosystem necessitates dismantling barriers and establishing a coordinated and integrated framework. The creation of value chains and the promotion of knowledge sharing are crucial to generate inclusive opportunities.
    • In order to entice foreign investment, the government has opened the doors to 100% foreign direct investment and is making efforts to enhance its standing in the Ease of Doing Business index.
  • Sustainable Development: Processing for Prosperity
    • Sustainable Development constitutes a fundamental component in the attainment of Processing for Prosperity.
    • These technologies, encompassing renewable energy sources and sustainable agricultural and food processing practices, have become prominent and promising trends, signifying a transformation in the global approach towards a more sustainable future.

Source: PIB