The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): Union Minister of Food Processing, Shri Pashupati Kumar Paras, has inaugurated the “SUFALAM: Start-Up Forum for Aspiring Leaders and Mentors Startup Conclave 2024”, emphasizing the crucial role of startups in the food processing sector. He stressed that initiatives like SUFALAM are vital for enhancing networking, knowledge sharing, and helping startups utilize various government schemes. This initiative is a reflection of the government’s dedication to fostering entrepreneurship and building a supportive ecosystem for startups, particularly in the food processing domain.
Minister of State for Food Processing, Ms. Shobha Karandlaje, in her address, highlighted the potential of the supply chain and food processing sector in achieving the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s goal of doubling farmers’ income and elevating India’s global standing in exports, innovation, and meeting worldwide food demands.
Smt. Anita Praveen, Secretary of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), emphasized the importance of registering micro-entrepreneurs, self-help groups (SHGs), and MSMEs on the Start-Up India Portal. She pointed out the significant opportunities for processing and value addition in agricultural produce, given India’s status as a major producer. Additionally, she detailed various MoFPI schemes designed to support and guide startups towards success, contributing to the Prime Minister’s vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
The event, which was also attended by Shri Minhaj Alam, Additional Secretary of MoFPI, and Dr. Harinder Singh Oberoi, Director of NIFTEM-K, serves as a crucial platform for catalyzing innovation and collaboration in the food processing industry.
Over 250 industry stakeholders, startups, MSMEs, financial institutions, venture capitalists, and academic institutions participated in the two-day event. It included four knowledge sessions, two pitching sessions, and an exhibition, held in collaboration with FSSAI, EIC, APEDA, Start-up India, and FICCI. The pitching sessions, partnered with industry leaders like Nestle India, HDFC Bank, and ITC Foods, offered startups a valuable opportunity for exposure and networking.
A total of 35 exhibitors from across India showcased their innovations and services. The SUFALAM Startup Conclave for Food Processing Entrepreneurs is set to be a transformative event for the sector, driving it towards a future marked by innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth. The conclave is poised to inspire a new generation of food processing leaders, redefining the possibilities within this vital industry.