Bihar’s Food Processing Potential Shines at ‘World Food India 2023’ in Delhi

New Delhi: The second day of the prestigious food event ‘World Food India 2023’ witnessed a compelling showcase as the Government of Bihar took center stage to shed light on the abundant possibilities in food processing within the state. The event, which is being held at Pragati Maidan in Delhi from November 3 to 5, featured engaging discussions with investors and entrepreneurs keen on exploring Bihar’s food processing sector.

Distinguished figures, including Sandeep Pondarik,Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the Department of Industries, Government of Bihar, Vivek Ranjan Maitrey, Director of Food Processing, Kundan Kumar, Resident Commissioner for the Government of Bihar, Ranjit Kohli, CEO of Britannia Industries, Suresh Prasad Chaudhary, MD of Rakesh Masala, and Amit Sarogi, Founder of Anmol Feeds, actively participated in the Bihar State Session, themed “Bihar: A Land of Limitless Opportunities in the Food Processing Sector.”

In the spotlight of the Bihar-State session, ACS Pondarik emphasized Bihar’s emergence as a prime investment destination, highlighting its exceptional infrastructure, abundant resources, and unparalleled possibilities. He urged investors to look beyond stereotypes and misconceptions about Bihar, noting that the state offers immense opportunities for those who believe in its potential.

Pondarik emphasized that investors consider several key factors, including the investment climate, market access, raw materials, infrastructure, and incentives. In these aspects, he contended that Bihar surpasses many other states in India. He noted that Bihar stands as the third-highest growing state in terms of GDP growth for the fiscal year 2021-22, a leader in MSME growth, and has witnessed a 130% increase in road and transport infrastructure over the past decade. The state’s energy production has grown tenfold, from 700 MW to 7000 MW, making it a key player in the power sector.

Furthermore, Bihar ranks first in the production of litchi, maize, and makhana, and third in mango production, in addition to being the fourth-largest producer of vegetables in the country. All these factors, Pondarik argued, position Bihar as an ideal destination for investment, with a robust law-and-order system that compares favorably to most other Indian states.

Vivek Ranjan Maitrey, Director of Food Processing, celebrated Bihar’s evolution as a frontrunner in the food processing sector over the past decade. He highlighted Bihar’s participation as a partner state in the second edition of ‘World Food India 2023’ and underscored the significance of the ‘Invest Bihar Pavilion’ as a platform to attract global partners and investors. Maitrey expressed his enthusiasm for inviting investors to explore Bihar, a state with abundant investment opportunities.

The ‘Invest Bihar Pavilion’ was a focal point of attraction on the second day of ‘World Food India 2023,’ as it drew the attention of foreign investors. Delegates from multiple countries engaged with Bihar Government officials, discussing potential investment opportunities in the state. The MSME and startup stalls within the ‘Invest Bihar Pavilion’ were buzzing with enthusiastic visitors keen to learn about various products on display.