New Delhi: “Government is fully prepared for the adverse situations as it has stocked adequate food grains”, said Prof K V Thomas, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (IC) for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India while inaugurating the FoodCon 2012 - Conference on Advanced Technologies for Global Food Market on July 27, 2012 at Chennai organised by Tamil Nadu Technology Development and Promotion Centre (TNTDPC) of CII.

Prof.K.V.Thomas explained about the various schemes and programmes that Government of India is implementing in partnership with State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. Besides, Government is also implementing schemes to specifically address the nutrition related concerns, especially among women and children, through schemes like Integrated Child Development Services, Mid-Day Meal, Annapoorna etc. It was also mentioned by Prof.K.V.Thomas that the growth of the food processing industry is critical for raising the income levels of farmers as a strong and dymanic food processing sectors plays a vital role in diversification and commercialization of agriculture, enhances shelf life, ensures value addition to agriculture produce and generates employment “.

Mr. S. Chandramohan, Chairman Economic Affairs & Taxation Sub Committee, CII(SR) & President & Group CFO TAFE discussed about the Diversified and Demanding issues in Food sector such as Lack of research, Food Safety, Cold Storage Capability & Infrastructure & Food Security. Given some suggestions on Taxation, Credit Access (NABARD etc), Food safety Laws and Applied Research & Development. He highlighted to the government to extend support in dedicated Freight Corridors, Land Acquistions and GST relaxations etc.

Mr. A. Padmasingh Isaac, Conference Chairman – FoodCon 2012 & Founder and Chairman, Aachi Group of Companies, addressed about the need of effective awareness in the light of technology. He also highlighted the importance to strengthen the critica challenges faced like lack of infrastructure, investment/funding, best practices, co-operation and interaction among the government & the industry, in addition to explore the new business opportunities in the global market.

Mr. C. R. Swaminathan, Past Chairman, CII (SR), discussed the increased growth phase of the food industry in India & the insight about the emerging trends in the global market. He articulated CII’s involvement in integrated and inclusive development of Food Industry and emphasised on the hygience and safe food products, which would result in competiting internationally and ensuring the overall market sustainability.

The subject area of the conference attracted participation from national and international grounds. The conference was well attended by 200 Participants with representatives from US, China, Italy, Malaysia etc.