Key Takeaways
- The ‘Andaman Food Tech Conclave’ focused on enhancing investment in the food processing sector, especially in coconut and fisheries.
- Government officials emphasized the region’s potential and ongoing initiatives, including the PMFME scheme, to support local entrepreneurs.
- The event facilitated discussions on innovations and strategies for growth in the food processing industry.
Event Overview and Key Discussions
The ‘Andaman Food Tech Conclave’ was recently held at Hotel Sinclairs Bay View in Sri Vijaya Puram, organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Kolkata alongside the Directorate of Industries, A&N Administration, with support from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI), Government of India. This significant event aimed to explore investment opportunities in the food processing industry of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, focusing on coconut and fisheries sectors.
The inauguration was led by Ms. Pallavi Sarkar, IAS, Secretary (Agriculture/AH&VS), A&N Administration, with other key officials in attendance, including Dr. J.P. Dongare from MOFPI and Mr. Rakesh Das, the Director of Industries. Ms. Sarkar emphasized the region’s unique organic livestock resources and their potential for branding in domestic and international markets.
During the event, Ms. Jagtap Kalyani Rajendra, Director of Fisheries, presented advancements in fish processing technologies and advocated for creating new food products from fisheries. Mr. Rakesh Das highlighted various government schemes, particularly the Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME), aimed at fostering entrepreneurship within the food processing sector.
The inaugural session included welcoming remarks by Ms. Madhuparna Bhowmick, Senior Director, ICC, and a vote of thanks from Dr. K. Chandrasekaran, President of the Andaman Nicobar Chamber of Commerce & Industries (ANCCI). Following the opening, a technical session featured industry insights from several organizations, including the Fisheries Survey of India and NABARD, detailing their contributions to enhancing the food processing landscape in the region.
Mr. Sindhupathi Raja, Assistant Director (Tech) from the Directorate of Industries, provided an analysis of the PMFME scheme, while Ms. Sunitha Kumari, Deputy Director, highlighted the department’s startup initiatives, including a pitching session for emerging companies. The event also showcased winners from a Handicraft Logo/Slogan and Promotional Video Competition that had taken place a couple of days prior, recognizing creative contributions in promoting the region’s crafts.
Overall, the Andaman Food Tech Conclave served as an essential platform for stakeholders to convene, exchange ideas, and discuss innovative strategies that could stimulate growth and investment within the food processing industry in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
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