150% Growth in Processed Food Exports over the last 9 years and US$ 53 Billion worth agri exports: Piyush Goyal
10 January 2024: Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Piyush Goyal inaugurated ‘Indus Food 2024’, exhibition to showcase India’s vibrant and diverse food ecosystem, being held in India Exposition Mart, Greater Noida. While delivering an inspiring address at the inauguration of exhibition, the Minister praised India’s diverse food industry, emphasizing its potential to captivate global markets.
Speaking on India’s food processing sector, Piyush Goyal highlighted 150% growth in processed food exports over the last nine years. The Minister highlighted that India’s agricultural exports stood at an aggregate of about US$ 53 Billion. He quoted Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and said that the time has come for a fusion of technology and taste. He emphasized the need for large-scale food processing, product branding, and export focus to provide better value to farmers, generate employment and enhance the country’s earnings.
Minister recognized the burgeoning demand for Indian foods globally, he underscored the country’s diverse agro-climatic zones, 158 food and agri Geographical Indications (GIs) and the identification of 708 unique food items across districts under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative.
He highlighted India’s economic strengths as fastest-growing large economy, attributing the success to solid macroeconomic foundations and a youthful demographic dividend. He credited social media and global influencers for promoting Indian culinary delights, leading to a surge in the popularity of diverse regional cuisines. Piyush Goyal highlighted the richness of Indian cuisine, noting its distinctive flavors, spices and aromas.
Piyush Goyal praised the significant success and outstanding achievements of the seventh edition of Indus Food, hailing it as the epicenter for food and beverage excellence in South Asia. He highlighted the international prominence of the event, revealing plans for India Global Culinary Exchange, welcoming 20 top international chefs to experience the country’s culinary excellence firsthand.
Expressing confidence in India’s capacity to host the world’s largest fairs, the Minister emphasized Delhi’s potential as a global hub for various expos. He shed light on the ongoing Aatmanirbhar Bharat Utsav at Bharat Mandapam and announced the upcoming Bharat Mobility in the following month, followed by Bharat Tex at the end of February 2024. He shared his vision for these events to lay the groundwork for even larger exhibitions in the coming years. Envisioning 2025 as the year for multi-venue, large-scale shows, he aspired for India to host the world’s largest food fair, setting global benchmarks.
