Prior to the World Food India business summit, the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) organised a regional industry meet for the food processing sector in Kochi. The inauguration was carried out by Minister P. Rajeev of the Department of Industries.  Minister P. Rajeeve mentioned that Kerala is considering bringing fruit cultivation under the plantation sector so as to boost investment and innovation as envisioned in the state’s 2023 Industrial Policy, which will also enable food-processing units to source material for value-addition from the state. The government will shortly take a call on this proposal as fruit cultivation is a sustainable business model with growth potential and can accelerate the development of the food-processing sector that is identified as one of the promising domains in the policy, he said.

The Regional Industry Meet for the World Food India business association, jointly organised by the Central Food Processing Ministry and the Kerala State Government, took place. Kerala is the state partner for the World Food India event, which is being held at the Pragati Maidan in Delhi from November 3rd to 5th.

KSIDC Chairman Paul Antony delivered the keynote address. Union Ministry of Food Processing and Industries Additional Secretary Minhaj Alam and Kerala Principal Secretary (Industries and Health) A.P.M. Mohammad Haneesh, S. Harikishore, Managing Director of the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), engaged in discussions.

Discussions and Q&A sessions were held during the event regarding the essential collaboration and support needed for the food processing industry, including partnerships and assistance. The presentation on World Food India and its relevance was also part of the proceedings during the event.