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International Food and Hospitality Fair 2016 opens in New Delhi
New Delhi, Mar 15 (IBNS) Inaugurating the International Food and Hospitality Fair -- AAHAR 2016, on Tuesday, at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, the Union Food Processing Industries Minister, Harsimrat Kaur Badal said that the Budget decision to allow 100% FDI in multi-brand retail for food products produced and processed in India will play a catalytic role in leapfrogging Indian economy.
She said that the average Indian spends 40% of his income on eatables, and only 10% of what we grow is processed in India.
The minister said that the FDI decision would give a boost to the sector, and would contribute to the eventual aim of uplifting farmers and doubling farmers’ income by 2022.
According to Badal, the 100% FDI decision would usher in a partnership between industry and farmers, play a huge role in creating backward infrastructure linkages and plugging wastages, thereby improving the farmers’ prospects.
The minister spoke also of the e-marketing platform that is slated to be launched in April 2016.
She said that the digital platform will integrate 585 regulated markets, providing farmers and traders with access to opportunities for purchase/ sale of agri-commodities at optimal prices in a transparent manner. She also said that the Union government is eager to tap the potential for organic farming in North East India.
Image: Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, Harsimrat Kaur Badal inaugurating the International Food and Hospitality Fair ‘AAHAR-2016’, on Tuesday/PIB
Stating that 42 Mega Food Parks are coming up, the minister said that foreign players can tie up with these parks; this would be facilitated by the plug-and-play model under which these parks would operate, wherein common infrastructural facilities would be provided.
The minister congratulated the India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO) for the unprecedented participation response to AAHAR 2016, especially with its focus on new and young entrepreneurs, and added attractions such as a Culinary Art Competition.
Chairman and Managing Director, ITPO, L. C. Goyal said that AAHAR has transformed from a trade promotion event to a growth propelling event. He said that it has become India’s best known brand in food and hospitality sector, having acquired a prominent place in the global calendar of international expositions.
AAHAR 2016 will conclude on Saturday, Mar 19.
Image: Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, Harsimrat Kaur Badal inaugurating the International Food and Hospitality Fair ‘AAHAR-2016’, on Tuesday/PIB
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