Sahai inaugurates Aahar 2007, assures all help to the industry

New Delhi, Mar 8 (UNI) Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Food Processing Industries Subodh Kant Sahai today inaugurated the 22nd edition of Aahar at Pragati Maidan, the premier annual international exhibition on food, food processing, hotel and restaurant equipment and supplies.

Mr Sahai said India is endowed with a strong agricultural production base with the government actively encouraging investment in agro processing industry to increase value addition and reduce wastages.

The Minister observed that ''India is on the focus on the global map in the food processing sector.'' This five-day fair will provide a platform for B2B relationship, exchange of technological know-how and help enhance percentage of processing in the country, he added.

Excise duty on cold chains and packaging material for the processed foods is still of the higher side and should have been reduced further to give a fillip to the sector, he said and added that talks have been on with state governments also for keeping the VAT rates for such products on the lower side.

Mr Sahai said his Ministry is contemplating to set up Mega Food Parks in association with the industry and all possible assistance will be provided to the entrepreneurs in this regard.

The theme of AAHAR 2007 is ''Indian Ethnic Food'' which is being projected by APEDA and for the first time, Alcoholic Beverages have been put on display.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Mariann Fischer Boel, EU's Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner, said India is full of ideas and confidence and has huge potential in the agri-food processing and European Union would like to cooperate in this sector for tapping the huge potential.

Mr N N Khanna, CMD, India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), said that over the years, the fair has emerged as the single largest event of its kind in India for promoting the food processing and related sector and, in the process, catalysing technological upgradation in these sectors while giving a fillip to the export efforts.

More than 300 companies from 14 countries besides India are participating in the mega fair showcasing food products, food processing, packaging, mill machinery and equipment, dairy and confectionery equipment, air-conditioning and refrigeration and cold storage systems, hotel and kitchen equipment, tableware, health and fitness equipments.

UNI