New Delhi, November 3, 2023 - The Honorable Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi, inaugurated the highly anticipated second edition of 'World Food India 2023' at the prestigious Bharat Mandapam within the Pragati Maidan in New Delhi today. During this momentous event, the Prime Minister demonstrated his commitment to empowering self-help groups by disbursing seed capital assistance to more than one hundred thousand members, effectively strengthening these grassroots organizations.
The event, which aims to position India as the global "food basket" and celebrate 2023 as the International Year of Millets, featured an exhibition that captivated Prime Minister Modi's attention. He explored the diverse showcase and engaged with exhibitors, further underlining the significance of this extraordinary gathering.
Addressing the audience, the Prime Minister expressed his admiration for the technological innovation and entrepreneurial spirit on display in the technology and startup pavilion. He emphasized that the fusion of technology and culinary excellence would undoubtedly chart the course for the future economy. In today's ever-changing world, Prime Minister Modi underscored the critical challenge of food security and the pivotal role that 'World Food India 2023' plays in addressing this concern.
Prime Minister Modi underscored the remarkable progress made in India's food processing sector, highlighting its recognition as a "sunrise sector" on the international stage. Over the past nine years, the sector has attracted over Rs.50,000 crores in foreign direct investment, a testament to the government's pro-industry and pro-farmer policies. Prime Minister Modi also shed light on the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme in the food processing sector, which has provided substantial support to new players in the industry.
Furthermore, he disclosed that substantial investments are underway, with over Rs.50,000 crores dedicated to thousands of projects under the Agri-Infra Fund, focusing on post-harvest infrastructure. The fisheries and animal husbandry sector is also receiving considerable encouragement, with investments in the thousands of crores, dedicated to enhancing processing infrastructure.
"The government's investor-friendly policies have propelled the food sector to new heights," Prime Minister Modi declared proudly. He shared that the share of processed foods in India's agricultural exports has grown significantly, from 13 percent to 23 percent over the past nine years, representing an overall increase of 150 percent in exported processed foods. "Today, India holds the seventh position, with a total export value exceeding $50 billion in agricultural produce," he noted. Prime Minister Modi emphasized that India has witnessed unparalleled growth in every facet of the food processing industry, presenting a golden opportunity for every company and startup affiliated with this thriving sector.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates World Food India 2023
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