The World Trade Centre (WTC) Bhubaneswar in association with the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), the Centre for Agri Management, Business Administration Department of the Utkal University organised an industry academia meet on the ‘Opportunities and Challenges of Food Processing Sector in Odisha, here on Wednesday.
MSME Principal Secretary lN Gupta inaugurated the seminar highlighted about ‘Make in Odisha conclave’, which created investment opportunities.
Speaking on the State Food Processing Policy 2016, Gupta said it provides for subsidies and incentives for entrepreneurs. He advocated that skilled human resource has to come forward to reap the benefits of the food processing sector while value addition of agricultural products is yet to reach a milestone.
He said food processing units can be established on pertinently rich products such as cashew, rice, maze and spices. “Horticulture products are in surplus and the requirement is to tap it and take it forward into processing” he said.
NSIC DGM Sree Prakash highlighted various schemes available to the entrepreneurs through NSIC like consortium tendering, low cost technology assistance, providing B2B and B2C platform, material testing facilities through recognised science and technology centres.
Among others Agarwal Spices and Food Processors MD Sandeep Agarwal, Paris Bakery founder Jaynarayan Pujapanda, Milk Mantra sourcing head Anil Burman, Shree Sampanna Foods MD AK Sharda and SwagatMaharana of the Kandhamal Apex Spices Association for Marketing (KASAM) shared experiences and success stories.
Nabard Bhubaneswar GM M Soren highlighted various schemes framed for this particular sector by the Nabard.
At the outset, WTC Manager Nimeshika Natarajan said the WTC endeavours to uplift the economic portfolio of the State and intends to work towards development of the key and potential sectors, including food processing.
Centre for Agri Management Course Head Jatindra Mishra emphasized on the immense potentials and investment opportunities in the sector and the need for bridging the skill gap for its further growth and development.