Odisha emerges as a key player in food processing at World Food India 2024

New Delhi: Odisha has emerged as a key player in India’s growing food processing industry at the World Food India 2024 event, hosted by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI).

Showcasing its diverse food products, innovative technologies, and substantial investment opportunities, Odisha captivated the global audience with its potential as a food processing powerhouse.

The event, which brought together food manufacturers, producers, processors, buyers, investors, and global organizations, featured exhibitions, conferences, thematic knowledge sessions, strategic sessions, CEO roundtable discussions, etc, designed to foster collaboration and growth in the food industry. Odisha’s participation, led by the Government of Odisha with Palladium as its knowledge partner, stood out as one of the major attractions. The state highlighted its rich cultural heritage and unique food offerings, positioning itself as an emerging leader in the sector.

D Prasanth Kumar Reddy, IAS, Director of Industries for the Government of Odisha, inaugurated the Odisha Pavilion and interacted with local exhibitors, praising the quality of the state’s food products and the entrepreneurial spirit driving its growth. The pavilion’s vibrant display of Odisha’s food processing capabilities drew significant interest from industry leaders and investors alike.

As part of its robust presence at World Food India 2024, Odisha hosted a dedicated session titled “Unlocking the Flavour of Odisha: Opportunities in Food Processing.” The session featured a high-profile panel of speakers, including Hemant Sharma, IAS, Principal Secretary of the MSME Department, Gokulananda Mallik, Minister of MSME, and representatives from academia and industry, such as Prof. Pravat Kumar Roul, Vice Chancellor of OUAT, and Kamlesh Mishra, President of the Odisha Seafood Exporters Association. 

Moderated by Bibhuti Bhusana Dash, the discussion highlighted Odisha’s strategic importance as an investment hub for food processing, emphasizing its rapid growth in this sector. Odisha’s participation in the event underlined the state’s commitment to advancing its food processing industry and attracting foreign investment. 

Gokulananda Mallik highlighted, “Key pillars such as facilitation, infrastructure, financing, market access, and entrepreneurship are critical to the development of the food sector. Both the Central and State Governments continue to support the sector through policy initiatives and schemes for the promotion and sustenance of MSMEs, including food processing units. In addition, MSME multi-product parks are being established in all districts to meet the infrastructure needs of the sector.”

Reflecting on the state’s success, Amit Patjoshi, CEO of Palladium India, said, “As Odisha is one of the fastest growing economies in India, we are keen to take this partnership forward and contribute to its economic growth.”

World Food India 2024 offered a valuable platform for networking, B2B and B2G meetings, and discussions on global investment opportunities. Odisha’s active participation has cemented its leadership position in the food processing industry, attracting global attention as a preferred destination for food-related investments.