Pashupati Kumar Paras inaugurates SUFALAM and launches groundbreaking Start-Up Conclave for Food Processing Entrepreneurs
Union Minister
of Food Processing Pashupati Kumar Paras emphasised the pivotal
role of startups in the food processing sector. Inaugurating "SUFALAM:
Start-Up Forum for Aspiring Leaders and Mentors Startup Conclave 2024" he
highlighted the significance of events like SUFALAM, emphasizing their
potential to enhance networking, facilitate knowledge sharing, and enable
startups to leverage various government schemes. He said this initiative stands
as a testament to the government's steadfast commitment to nurturing
entrepreneurship and creating an enabling ecosystem for startups, thereby
empowering aspiring entrepreneurs in the food processing domain.
Minister of State for Food Processing Shobha Karandlaje,
in her special address, shed light on key aspects related to the supply chain
and food processing sector. She emphasized its potential in realizing the
Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of doubling farmers' income and positioning
India prominently on the global stage in terms of increased exports,
innovation, and meeting global food demands.
Anita Praveen, Secretary MoFPI, highlighted the
importance of registering all micro-entrepreneurs, self-help groups (SHGs), and
MSMEs on the Start-Up India Portal. She elaborated on the vast scope for
processing and value addition of agricultural produce, considering India's
status as the largest producer of agri-produce. Furthermore, she elucidated on
various schemes of MoFPI aimed at supporting and handholding startups to ensure
their success and contribute towards realizing the PM’s vision of an Atmanirbhar
Bharat (self-reliant India).
Minhaj Alam, Additional Secretary of MoFPI, and Dr Harinder
Singh Oberoi, Director of NIFTEM-K were also present on the occasion.
"SUFALAM" emerges as a pivotal platform aimed at catalyzing
innovation, fostering collaboration, and driving growth within the food
processing industry.
The event witnessed participation from over 250 industry
stakeholders, startups, MSMEs, financial institutions, venture capitalists, and
academia. Spanning two days, the event comprises four knowledge sessions, two
pitching sessions, and exhibition. The knowledge sessions are held in
collaboration with FSSAI, EIC, APEDA, Start-up India, and FICCI, while the
pitching sessions are conducted in partnership with industry giants such as Nestle
India, HDFC Bank, Buhler India, Marico, Indian Angel Network, ITC Foods, LT
Foods, and TCPL. A total of 35 exhibitors from across India are participating
in the event.
The Startup Conclave for Food Processing Entrepreneurs
holds the promise of being a transformative event, propelling the sector
towards a future characterized by innovation, sustainability, and inclusive
growth. As startups converge to showcase their ingenuity and vision, the
conclave stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring the next generation of food
processing leaders to redefine the boundaries of possibility.