New Delhi: In a bid to give an impetus to the food processing industry in the state, the state government is in the process of establishing MSME multi-product parks in all the districts. This was revealed by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Minister Gokulananda Mallik while addressing the World Food India 2024, organised by Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), held at Pragati Maidan here recently. World Food India 2024 provided a global platform for businesses to network, collaborate, and explore new avenues for growth.
Odisha’s active participation underscored the state’s leadership in the food processing industry, positioning it as a preferred destination for investments, according to a release. “Key pillars such as facilitation, infrastructure, financing, market access and entrepreneurship are critical to the development of the food sector. The state government plays a pivotal role across these verticals. Both the Central and state governments continue to support the sector through policy initiatives and schemes for promotion and sustenance of MSMEs, including food processing units. In addition, MSME multi-product parks are being established in all districts to meet the infrastructure needs of the sector,” said the MSME minister. The MoFPI successfully concluded World Food India 2024, with Odisha emerging as a key highlight for its exceptional display of diverse food products, innovative technologies, and significant investment opportunities, according to a release issued by the state government. The event brought together manufacturers, producers, food processors, buyers, investors, policymakers and global organisations, offering a comprehensive platform for collaboration across the food industry. The event featured a diverse range of activities, including exhibitions, conferences, thematic knowledge sessions, buyerseller meetings for B2B engagements, as well as B2G and G2G meetings, and CEO roundtable discussions. The Odisha Pavilion, with Palladium as the knowledge partner, stood out as one of the major attractions, captivating visitors with its vibrant representation of the state’s rich cultural heritage. State Industries director D Prasanth Kumar Reddy, who inaugurated the Odisha Pavilion and interacted with exhibitors, lauded the contributions made by local entrepreneurs and their quality food products.
As part of the event, the state government hosted a dedicated session titled ‘Unlocking the Flavour of Odisha: Opportunities in Food Processing’. The session, moderated by MSME department special secretary Bibhuti Bhushana Dash, featured a distinguished panel that included the MSME minister, the department’s principal secretary Hemant Sharma, Industries director Reddy, Palladium India CEO Amit Patjoshi, OUAT vice-chancellor Pravat Kumar Roul and Odisha Seafood Exporters’ Association president Kamlesh Mishra. The panel discussion emphasised Odisha’s growth potential in food processing and highlighted its strategic role as an investment hub in the sector. “We are grateful to the Odisha government for making Palladium their trusted partner to support the growth of MSMEs in food processing.
As Odisha is one of the fastest growing economies in India, we are keen to take this partnership forward and contribute to its economic growth,” said the Palladium India CEO.