President Droupadi Murmu urges people to consider environmental impact of food choices

New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu highlighted the importance of making mindful food choices that are environmentally friendly during her address at the valedictory session of the three-day World Food India event held from November 3 to 5 in Delhi.

She stressed the need to transition away from foods that contribute to climate change and opt for healthier options that do not harm the environment.

"We must consider the environmental cost of what we eat. The previous generations did not have to worry on this count," President Murmu remarked, urging a shift towards eco-conscious menu selections. She underlined the urgency of moving away from foods that exacerbate climate-related issues and embracing choices that promote both personal health and the planet's well-being.

Food Processing Industries Minister Pashupati Kumar Paras acknowledged the immense potential in the food processing sector, citing its significant contribution to India's agricultural exports, accounting for 75%.

During the event, Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed for investments totaling approximately Rs 35,000 crore, marking the event's success through collaborative efforts.

Notable companies such as Mondelez, Kellog, ITC, Innobev, Nedspice, Ananda, General Mills, and Ab Inbev participated in these agreements, underscoring the industry's robust growth and investment appeal. Over the past nine years, the food processing sector has attracted foreign direct investments (FDI) amounting to approximately Rs 50,000 crore.

The Indian government has introduced the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme within the food processing sector to bolster domestic manufacturing.

The World Food India event serves as a platform to showcase India as the 'food basket of the world,' offering networking and business opportunities for government bodies, industry professionals, farmers, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders to discuss, partner, and explore investment prospects in the agri-food sector.

During the event, CEO roundtables focused on investment and ease of doing business, promoting collaborative efforts to further enhance the sector's growth and sustainability.

This event is particularly significant as it marks the resumption of the World Food India initiative, which could not be held in consecutive years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and aims to solidify India's role as a global food hub.