Ministry of Food Processing Industries
World Food India 2023: Cuisine, Culture, and Commerce
Posted On: 05 NOV 2023 10:46AM
Food Processing Sector Transforming India
“India’s food diversity is a dividend for every investor in the world”
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the second edition of the Mega food event ‘World Food India 2023’ at Bharat Mandapam, PragatiMaidan, in New Delhi on November 3, 2023. This event serves as a platform to showcase India's global leadership in food production and coincides with the celebration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets. India, as both the leading producer and consumer of food products, seizes the opportunity offered by World Food India 2023 to demonstrate its capabilities to the world. This three-day event, taking place from November 3 to November 5, 2023, welcomes food producers, nutraceutical industries, processed food companies, renowned chefs, and food enthusiasts from across the globe to experience the rich diversity of Indian cuisine.
Prime Minister also highlighted the growth of Food Processing Sector and how it has emerged as a sunrise sector. Over the course of the past nine years, India has garnered foreign direct investments exceeding ₹50,000 crores, largely attributed to the government's steadfast commitment to pro-industry and pro-farmer policies. It is worth highlighting that the share of processed foods within India's agricultural exports has exhibited significant growth, elevating from 13% to 23%, constituting a remarkable 150% overall increment in the export of processed foods. During the inaugural session, it was underscored that India has emerged as the world's foremost producer of milk, spices, and pulses. Notably, the food processing sector has demonstrated a robust expansion of 7.26% over the past two years. Equally noteworthy is the transformation of processed food exports, now accounting for 25.63% of agricultural exports, a substantial leap from the 13.7% recorded in 2013-14. Furthermore, the gross value addition of the food processing sector has surged from ₹1.34 lakh crores in 2014-15 to ₹2.08 lakh crores in 2021-22.
Over the past nine years, the government's unwavering support has empowered more than 56,000 food processing enterprises through various schemes and initiatives, while providing seed capital to over 1.25 lakh self-help groups. Government projects and initiatives have yielded immense benefits, impacting approximately 32 lakh farmers and generating around 9.75 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities. He also emphasized on the historic introduction of India's Agri-Export Policy, the development of an extensive nationwide logistics and infrastructure network, the establishment of over 100 district-level hubs to seamlessly connect districts with global markets, the notable expansion of Mega Food Parks from just 2 to surpassing 20, and the astounding surge in India's food processing capacity, which has surged from 12 lakh metric tonnes to more than 200 lakh metric tonnes, marking an impressive 15-fold increase over the past nine years.
A key focus of the event is the revival and promotion of ancient Indian food items and practices, which offer economically viable and health-conscious products. These traditional food items hold substantial value in terms of production, consumption, and export potential. Government of India via World Food India provides a golden opportunity to promote, export and revive these Indian foods and food practices.
Shree Anna: India’s Superfood!
Millets, also known as Shree Anna, are venerable super grains deeply ingrained in the Indian diet for centuries. These remarkable superfoods not only bear the distinction of being gluten-free but are also densely packed with vital nutrients. They are celebrated for their adaptability to diverse environmental conditions and their eco-friendly nature. Millets, in their various forms, hold the promise of fortifying food security, enhancing nutrition, and contributing to sustainability amid the global challenges we face.India's Millets initiative is set to raise awareness about this remarkable food, laying the foundation for millets to emerge as a popular and healthy dietary option worldwide.
The year 2023 has been officially designated as the International Year of Millets (Shree Anna), marking a significant step towards embracing this authentic and nutritious Indian superfood. World Food India 2023 serves as a platform to showcase the versatility of millets, featuring a wide array of culinary creations, including various cuisines, snacks, and desserts incorporating these grains. An exemplary display of millet-based food items marks the food street organized by the Ministry of AYUSH. Dr.Rutika from the National Institute of Naturopathy presented delicacies such as Ragiladdu, Halim Nachos, and Ragi Pops, all rich in essential nutrients like Vitamin E, Lecithin, methionine, Magnesium, and Iron that contribute to our overall health.Hindustan Level United also offered a comprehensive 'Millet India Platter' featuring various types of Shree Anna. This unique spread included delectable dishes like JawarChaat, Millet Thalipeeth, Millet MethiThepla, and Millet BanarasiPaan, showcasing the diverse culinary potential of these grains.
Production and promotion of these millet based food items heralds a significant return to our roots. World Food India 2023, with its enticing showcase of millet-based dishes, exemplifies the remarkable journey of these ancient grains into modern culinary delights. As we savor these nutritious and eco-friendly treasures, we embark on a path towards greater well-being, sustainability, and an appreciation for the rich culinary heritage that India has to offer.
Health meets Flavour at World Food India
India boasts of a profoundly rich food culture, where the act of eating is a holistic experience that encompasses both physical and emotional dimensions. Nostalgia often resurfaces with a familiar taste, connecting individuals to cherished memories. However, as awareness about conscious dietary choices grows, there's a tendency for people to gravitate toward Western food items. The World Food India initiative seeks to dispel this notion by presenting a diverse array of traditional, authentic, and healthful Indian dishes that can leave a huge impact on food choices around the world. One can connect with authentic and traditional Indian cuisine without compromising on health.
At World Food India, numerous traditional, nutritious food items are featured, bridging the divide between health-conscious and delectable cuisine. For instance, Baswant Garden unveiled organic honey and raisins for a wholesome snack option. Kari-Kari, a women-led Indian company, harnessed age-old Indian ingredients like Curry leaves and Urad dal to create non-fried rice crisps, offering a nutritious snack alternative. Fikana, a company hailing from Andhra Pradesh, battled against ghee adulteration and utilized pure ghee and other ingredients to craft a unique dessert. Sashimi Foods, another Indian enterprise, incorporated protein-rich Indian seafood to create a balanced diet that is enriched with essential nutrients. Additionally, the Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine demonstrated the use of IlajbilGhiza (Dietotherapy) to produce nutrient-dense foods. Dietotherapy emphasizes the convergence of food and medicine by providing diets abundant in essential nutrients that enhance immunity and ward off diseases.
In essence, World Food India celebrates and reintroduces these forgotten culinary treasures, highlighting the intersection of health and taste in the realm of Indian cuisine.
References
Nimish Rustagi /Himanshu Pathak / Ritu Kataria/ Madiha Iqbal
(Features ID: 151685)
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