Ahead of World Food India event, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Government of India, today organized World Food India Roadshow in Chennai in partnership with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The high profile delegation for Chennai Roadshow was led by Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Hon’ble Union Minister, Ministry of Food Processing Industries(MoFPI), Government of India.Union Minister Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal along withMr. R Doraikkannu, Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture, Government of Tamil Nadu addressed the industrialists and business persons from the state, seeking their active participation in World Food India. World Food India 2017 is the platform for showcasing the food processing strength of India and an opportunity to connect with international and Indian key players in food processing and allied sectors. Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is the National Event Partner. The three day mega event ‘World Food India’ to be held in New Delhi from 3 – 5 November 2017. Addressing the industry leaders at the roadshow, Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal,Hon’able Union Minister, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, said“Food Processing is the only sector which can act as a bridge between the farmers and the industry. WFI will help develop global partnerships whose benefits will be availed by the farmers.We have seen a 40% increase in FDI in India, since the decision to allow 100 FDI in Food Processing sector has been taken by Hon’ble Prime Minister, Mr. Modi. The time is right to invest in food processing sector and we invite Tamil Nadu to be a part of this opportunity and participate in World Food India. The event will help showcase what Tamil Nadu has to offer to global and other domestic stakeholders, and will promote unique food processing products specific to Tamil Nadu at a global level. A mega food park is already being developed in Coimbatore and we invite investors to establish various units there for which we will provide necessary subsidies. We want Tamil Nadu to take full advantage of SAMPADA Scheme and request the state to take active participation in the World Food India Event, which will promote Tamil Nadu Food processing industry not only in India but at the global level as well.” Speaking at the Roadshow, Mr. R Doraikkannu, Hon’bleMinister for Agriculture, Government of Tamil Nadu, said, “The Government of Tamil Nadu is working towards enhancing Food Processing sector in the state and the efforts will continue in near future. I thank the Hon’ble Minister, Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badalfor choosing Chennai to organize the roadshow and reaching out to various stakeholders in Tamil Nadu.We also wish World Food India to be a great success when it takes place in November.” Besides Union Minister Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal andMr. R Doraikkannu, Minister for Agriculture, Government of Tamil Nadu;Mr. Parag Gupta, Joint Secretary, MoFPI; addressed the business leaders at the event and highlighted the benefits of the Kisan SAMPADA Scheme of the Central Government to Farmers, FPOs, Corporates etc.SAMPADA will benefit 20 lakh farmers and generate 5,30,500 direct/ indirect employment in the country by the year 2019-20. Mr. Rakesh Bharti Mittal, President- Designate CII & Vice Chairman, Bharti Enterprises said,“World Food India will provide a platform for global businesses to invest in India. It will also provide an opportunity for farmers to transform commodity crops into high value crops and receive the benefits which WFI has to offer.MoFPI has taken various steps in accordance with WFI, which will ensure that various states like Tamil Nadu will be a preferable investment destination in India in near future. CII will ensure that both global and domestic industries work together and make formidable relationships at WFI to reap its benefits in near future.” World Food India has received overwhelmingresponse from across the globeand it would witness participation from over 25 countries. Italy has confirmed to be a Focus Country. The response from the Indian states has been very encouraging and more than 10 states to participate in World Food India. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Haryana, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh will be the Partner States of World Food India. Furthermore, Karnataka, West Bengal, Kerala, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh will be the Focus States of World Food India. All leading giants from India and abroad in Food processing, food technology, technology & equipment players, cold chains & reefer transports, ingredients, food retailers will be present at World Food India. World Food India will provide a platform to showcase offerings and Services along the food value chain which includes production, processing, packaging, technology, equipment, storage, logistics or retail. 80 international food companies have already confirmed their participation at World Food India. Also, 30 CEOs of international food companies have already confirmed their participation at World Food India. Industry representatives present at the Roadshow included agro products, beverages, fisheries, dairy, organic & health food, Farmer Producer Organisations, Progressive farmers and food & industry associations.