AIZAWL: In a concerted effort to tap the immense potential of the food processing sector, the Indian Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, organised a food processing conclave in Aizawl, on Tuesday.
Attended by a host of entrepreneurs, farmer producer companies (FPCs), senior government officials, and business luminaries, the conclave served as a platform for innovation and collaboration.
With representatives from various organisations, including the Mizoram State Rural Livelihoods Mission, Mizoram University’s Department of Food Technology, and the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the conclave focused on presenting cutting-edge technologies in food processing.
In his welcome speech, Ishantor Sobhapandit, the Regional Director, North Eastern Region (NER) of the Indian Chamber of Commerce, underscored the essential role of food processing in elevating the livelihoods of farmers by ensuring better prices for their produce.
“To realize this vision,” he stressed, “we must collectively confront the hurdles obstructing the national and international marketing of our products.”
Highlighting the abundance of opportunities within arm’s reach, Sobhapandit highlighted the geographical advantage of the Northeast, with neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar sharing international borders.
He further added that with Bangladesh graciously opening its Chittagong and Mongla ports to Indian exporters, a strategic gateway for Northeastern products to reach global markets has been established.
Echoing Sobhapandit’s sentiments, L. Lalhmingmawia, Additional Director of the Department of Horticulture, lauded Mizoram’s natural farming practices as a beacon of sustainability.
He further underscored the urgency of aligning food processing initiatives with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, particularly in eradicating hunger by minimising post-harvest losses through efficient processing.
As the curtains drew to a close on the conclave, with a unified resolve and a wealth of opportunities at hand, stakeholders resolved to embark on a journey of prosperity and sustainability in the realm of food processing.
