The Secretary of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) led a roundtable discussion with business leaders from the food processing and packaging machinery sector at Vigyan Bhawan Annexe, New Delhi, on December 19, 2024. A press release was issued on December 20, 2024.
The meeting provided a platform for industry representatives and government officials to discuss opportunities, challenges, and potential solutions to drive growth and enhance global competitiveness in this crucial sector.
The Secretary emphasized the vital role of the equipment and machinery sector in modernizing and expanding India’s food processing industry. He stressed the need for:
- Research and Innovation: Fostering research and innovation to develop cutting-edge technologies.
- Global Competitiveness: Enhancing the competitiveness of Indian-made machinery in the global market.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Strengthening collaboration among industry players, research institutions, and government bodies.
The discussion also focused on key opportunities, the availability of quality raw materials, and regulatory requirements impacting both large and small-scale manufacturers in India.
Industry representatives highlighted the need for a more structured approach within the MoFPI to support the sector. They suggested establishing a formal mechanism to:
- Attract Investments: Create a more conducive environment for attracting domestic and foreign investments.
- Develop Standards: Establish clear and consistent industry standards.
- Facilitate Technology Transfer: Promote the transfer of advanced technologies to Indian manufacturers.
- Promote Local Machinery: Encourage the adoption of locally manufactured machinery within the food processing industry.
- Promote R&D: Support research and development initiatives within the machinery sector.
The Secretary reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to addressing the industry’s concerns and fostering progress. He encouraged participants to collaborate with Invest India and submit detailed representations outlining their specific challenges and suggestions. This collaborative approach aims to develop concrete strategies to overcome obstacles and unlock the full potential of India’s food processing and packaging machinery sector.
