- The Food Conclave 2023″, the first ever in India, highlighted the need for increased investment in “Production Agriculture”, expanding the supply food chain, food security, sustainability and making policies that build both production and consumption.
- The total value of investment received by Telangana is Rs.7,218 Crores creating 58458 direct employment opportunities.
- Innovation in Food Processing Grand Challenge launched for startups and innovators to build solutions for enhancing local food processing
Hyderabad, April 29, 2023: The inaugural Food Conclave 2023 in Hyderabad concluded on a strong note attracting investment of over INR 7000 Cr leading to 58458 direct employment. The conclave opened today to a record-breaking number of attendees this year, with industry leaders and experts from around the world flocking to the event to discuss the latest trends and innovations in agriculture.
The one-day food conclave, which boasts a reputation as one of the most prestigious and influential gatherings in the food-agri community, featured an array of new partnerships and investments, further cementing its position as a key platform for shaping the future of the industry. With a range of exciting developments on the horizon, attendees are eagerly anticipating the insights and opportunities that this year’s conference has to offer.
The inaugural “The Food Conclave” edition was inaugurated by the Shri. KT Rama Rao brought together the top 100 agri-food industry leaders who will engage in intense panel discussion and network meetings to discuss key challenges and opportunities for the growth of the Indian agri-food sector. Shri. Talasani Srinivas Yadav, Minister of Animal Husbandry Dairy Development, Fisheries and Shri. S Niranjan Reddy, Agriculture and Civil Supplies, Shri. Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary, Govt of Telangana also addressed the gathering.
The Food Conclave 2023 : Telangana attracts investments and to create over 50,000 new jobs
In his address Shri. K.T Rama Rao Minister, Industries, IT, MAUD Govt Of Telangana said “The state identifies food processing as a core thrust area, Over the past 5 years, the state has added more than Rs 7,000 crore worth fixed capital base to food processing capacities in the state, in order to further boost the food processing sector in the state we are building Special Food Processing Zones that will collectively bring more than 10,000 acres under fresh food processing capacities. Furthermore, at the end of the Conclave the State received more than Rs. 7000 Cr investment commitment across the sectors, in Aqua, Dairy, Agro Processing, and allied sectors creating total direct employment of 58,458 by way of these investment opportunities.”
The Minister also launched the Innovation in Food Processing, Grand Challenge inviting startups and innovators across Telangana and India for building solutions to enhance local food processing. The Food Conclave will be an annual affair hereupon.
He further added “We are also working on the supply chain linkages where we will connect the industry to the farmers of the state by effectively deploying the agriculture extension system that we have built in the state. The Self-Help Groups in Telangana also present a massive untapped potential in mobilizing farm produce in partnership with industry. Therefore, we are creating farmer producer organizations (FPOs) to provide plug and play supply chains for the food processing Industry.”
“We are also committed to empower small entrepreneurs in the state and as of now nurturing more than 2500 micro and small enterprises held by the state departments and supported by several welfare schemes such as the Dalit Bandhu Scheme. With industry friendly policies, robust and fast-growing raw material base, world class industrial infrastructure and active facilitation extended by our government to not just set up but to operate the industry in the most competitive manner, Telangana is the best place to be at this point in time.” The minister added.
The inauguration was followed by an inaugural panel discussion on “Envisioning India’s Decade in the Agri-Food Sector”, which involved Dr. Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog, Dr. RS Sodhi, President, Indian Dairy Association, Dr. Vijay Gupta, World Food Prize Laureate, Former ADG WorldFish Centre (CGIAR) and Mr. Shiva Kumar. S, CEO ITC.
The panelist in the inaugural track highlighted the need to address climate change, improving supply chain, and also emphasised the great potential food processing holds in the future. Niti Ayog Member Mr. Ramesh Chand said we have seen very less investment in “production agriculture” and this needs to be enhanced.
Five thematic tracks revolving around Agriculture (green), Edible Oil (Yellow), Dairy (White), Meat and Poultry (Pink) and Aquaculture (Blue) will be predominantly hosted during the event.
Some of the key questions that will be debated in the Green Revolution, the green revolution will encompass- Can India be the food bowl for the world while ensuring its own food security, Market linked production – How to recalibrate? Managing the macro – risks: Climate change, War, Disease, Trade embargo’s etc and Where are India’s next Agri food unicorns?
The “Yellow Revolution” Track on the other hand will focus on – Realising self-sufficiency for edible oils in India, Sustainability and responsibility in edible oil production, Edible Oil Vs Health, and Navigating the dynamic global policy environment.
During the Pink Revolution track panelist will engage in addressing questions such as – Formalising the Indian meat value chain- Challenges & Opportunities, Meat Industry as a driver for a circular rural economy? , Making the Indian poultry and meat industry globally competitive and Managing Macro risks for the meat sector: Pandemics, bio security, climate change etc.
Another interesting track featured was the “Blue Revolution” which deals with the Aquaculture sector, the track will focus on Building the domestic demand for blue foods in India, Aquaculture as a viable alternative to agriculture, What could be India’s next Vannamei moment? and Can we create the next Amul in the Indian aquaculture sector?
The series of track included “White Revolution” – highlighting issues and questions – Moving the Indian Dairy Industry up the Value Chain, Making Indian Dairy Industry Competitive, One Health: How do we prevent, detect, and manage biological risks, and Diary Tech for the Next Decade: The Why, What and How?
These key areas for discussion have been identified by the World Economic Forum-India, Indian Vegetable Oil Producers Association (IVPA), Indian Dairy Association, Heifer International, and Society of Aquaculture Professionals.
26-panel discussions, five roundtables, and more than 40 one-on-one meetings between government and industry leaders will be featured in the one-day event.
Prominent industry leaders and experts in the agri-food sector in India attended the event. The event also witnessed major partnerships, investment announcements, beyond the networking and one on one meetings that happened.
