India comprises one of the largest food processing sectors in the world which has a classic role in linking farmers to consumers in domestic as well as international markets. A strong and dynamic food processing sector plays a pivotal role in preventing wastage of perishable agricultural produce ensuring value addition to agricultural produce, diversification & commercialization of agriculture.

In this context, World Trade Center Bhubaneswar organized an Awareness Session on Food Processing Sector in association with Yes Bank Foundation, Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Bhubaneswar, MSME-DFO, Cuttack, The National Small Scale Industries Corporation Ltd. (NSIC), Bhubaneswar, State Bank of India, Bhubaneswar, Juggernaut Association of Entrepreneurs (JAE) and Wow Mom Foods.

The session provided for knowledge sharing platform for constructive interaction among the industry experts, academic experts and bankers on the subject helping us to identify moreareas and explore various schemes/financial avenues, licensing norms and assistance available.

Dr. Subrat Biswal, Regional Head, Eastern Region, Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Bhubaneswar delivered a detailed presentation on role of EDII and how it acts as a nodal agency for SFURTI Scheme. He started off with EDII’s Institutional Network, their associate & corporate partners, snapshot of entrepreneurship growth in India. He further deliberated on Scheme of fund for regeneration of traditional industries (SFURTI) clusters, Interventions in clusters, major CDP Schemes, Major stakeholders in SFRTI Scheme, role of technical agency, project implementation etc.

Mr. Subas Sahu, Assistant Director, MSME-DFO, Cuttack, Ministry, of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Government of India demonstrated on Udyam Registration, Khadi & Village Industries Commission, National Small Industries Corporation, National Institute for MSME, The Coir Board, Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Rural Industrialization (MGIRI), brief activities of MSME-DIs, Major Schemes of Ministry of MSME, Financing for MSMEs, Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Program etc.

Dr. Anupam Gayen, Branch Head, National Small Scale Industries Corporation (NSIC), Bhubaneswar spoke about the role of NSIC in supporting the Food Processing Sector.

Mr. Bibhudatta Tripathy, Food Safety Officer, Government of Odisha delivered a precise presentation on Food Licensing norms. He demonstrated on the FSSAI, functions in belief, Centralized Food Safety Compliance Regulatory Platform, standardized food products and business eligibility criteria, FSSR 2011, Schedule III of FSS ACT 2006, Schedule IV of FSS act 2006 and Food Safety and Standards (Licensing & Registration of Food Businesses) Regulation 2011. He further spoke about the authorities responsible for licensing and registration.

Mr. Sidharth Rath, Branch Head, SME, State Bank of India, Bhubaneswar in his address illustrated various financial assistance offered by SBI to be availed by the entrepreneurs.

Earlier in the session, Ms. Shyama Jha, Founder, Millet Magic Foundation delivered the opening remarks and shared her entrepreneurial journey. Mr. Nandiki Gangadhar Reddy, Vice President, Juggernaut Association of Entrepreneurs proposed the vote of thanks.

Ms. Nimeshika Natarajan, Assistant Director, World Trade Center Bhubaneswar, moderated the session.