The Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PMFME), MSME Department, Government of Tamil Nadu organized the Tamil Nadu Food Processor’s Executive Conclave.
Dr. V Balaji, Board Member, SICCI spoke on the occasion and said that food was an integral part of a human and was a basic priority. Food Processing Technology had developed tremendously and therefore the sector contributed significantly for GDP & Employment. He further said that food was a lifestyle, a key economic driver and was also part of our culture. Today food was increasingly seen as a medicine that could contribute to our general well being especially in the control of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, etc.
Geetha Jeevan, Minister for Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department, Government of Tamil Nadu addressed the participants and said that to encourage new entrepreneurs & start-ups in the food processing sector which will contribute to $1 Trillion economy by 2030. Tamil Nadu stood first in terms of 9.69% GSDP growth in India and the food processing sector is a key driver for this economic growth. The Minister further said that the CM prioritized inclusive development where cities such as Tuticorin are able to experience holistic development. There was a need for the promotion of indigenous products such as ‘Padhaneer’ and ‘Panankalkandu’ among others in a healthy manner through food processing & cold chain infrastructure. Mr. Kodeeswaran, President, Indian Chamber of Commerce, Tuticorin and Mr. B. Nandha Kumar, State Lead Project Manager, PMFME Scheme, Tamil Nadu also spoke on the occasion.