World Food India 2024: Meghalaya’s food processing sector gains global attention

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 22, 2024

World Food India 2024, the mega food event, wrapped up on September 22 after four days of exploring opportunities, fostering innovation, and building collaborations in the food sector at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. A standout feature was the Meghalaya Pavilion, which launched the Meghalaya Collectives and drew significant interest from leading food processing investors.

Throughout the event, the Meghalaya Pavilion hosted productive meetings with prominent companies, discussing potential collaborations. These included ZEPTO, an online grocery delivery service specializing in quick commerce; Big Basket, a comprehensive online grocery store; Lulu Group International, an Emirati-based multinational conglomerate; PepsiCo, the American multinational food and beverage giant; Patanjali Food, an Indian FMCG company; Mother Dairy, a statutory body under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India; and National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL). These interactions highlighted the growing interest in Meghalaya’s food processing sector and market linkages for fresh and processed products from local entrepreneurs and cooperatives under Meghalaya Collectives.

The Pavilion also attracted representatives from various states and countries, recognizing Meghalaya’s potential in the food sector. Notable dignitaries included Chirag Paswan, Minister of Food Processing Industries, and Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India, who particularly appreciated the Meghalaya Collective initiative.

Reena Nongrum, founder of Mewan Food Processing, shared her experience and said, “I am here today at the World Food India event in Delhi, and it’s all thanks to the training I received from NABARD. This is my second time visiting Delhi; the first time was for the Saras Mela, and now, I am here for World Food India, thanks to the support of the Directorate of Food Processing. As a fellow mother, I want to send this message to all other mothers: We must work together to stand on our own two feet. Our state of Meghalaya is rich in natural resources, with an abundance of fruits, turmeric, and much more. By making use of these resources, our farmers will never face setbacks’.

Dawhoi Dhar, Founder and an entrepreneur of Naki, said, ‘I founded Naki to share Meghalaya’s essence and flavours with the world. This event has been incredibly helpful, connecting us with foreign customers, potential investors, and stakeholders. I gained insightful knowledge on branding, packaging, supply chain management, and how big companies operate. Thank you, Directorate of Food Processing, Government of Meghalaya, for this opportunity’.

Namshrang Ruddiee Diengdoh, owner and entrepreneur, Nongrep, sharing his experience said, ‘This B2B exhibition has generated leads from various countries and states. We got the chance to have interacted with potential investors from Belarus, Poland, Russia, Turkey, Japan, and other European countries. We’re deeply grateful to the State Government for this platform to showcase and market our local products, supporting Meghalaya’s farmers.’

The Meghalaya Collectives, an initiative of the Meghalaya government, showcased 20 exclusive brands and value-added products made from renowned Lakadong Turmeric, Khasi Mandarin, Kew Pineapple, Local Ginger, Cashew Nuts, and many other indigenous produces, moreover, promoting farmer-producer organisations, rural entrepreneurship, and sustainable agriculture practices. This innovative approach aims to enhance farmers’ income, improve agricultural productivity, and promote Meghalaya’s organic products.