NEW DELHI : India is aiming at a two-fold hike in exports of food items in next five years which will help in doubling the income of farmers and those associated with the food and agro industry. To give further boost to IndiaÂs agro and food exports, the Department of Commerce in association with Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) is organizing ÂIndus FoodÂÂ a Mega International Food and Beverage Trade show at India Expo Mart In Greater Noida from January 18, 2017.

The two-day event will be inaugurated by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Mr. Suresh Prabhu. Indus Food will see participation of over 400 exhibitors including representations from over 12 states and Departments. Global Buyers from 43 nations will visit the show. The event is expected to provide a good platform to Indian exporters to access global market without having the trouble of going to overseas trade fairs.   

“Doubling of farmers’ income is possible only when our agri exports grow by 18-20% and for this we need integration with global marketplace. If this happens our food exports will cross $60 billion which stood at $31 billion in 2015. IndiaÂs food market stood at $193 billion in 2016, which is estimated to grow to $540 billion by 2020,” Santosh Sarangi, Joint Secretary in Department of Commerce said at a press conference here.

“Indus Food, which is a mega show is line with other global food events, will give a much needed fillip to Indian food exports. Moreover, we are formulating Agri Export Policy which will make India a preferred destination for sourcing food and agri products. We are also talking with Invest India to attract investments to facilitate agri exports. Our autonomous bodies are also working with exporters to boost exports, while state governments are also being roped in to prepare grounds for exports of their produce,” Mr. Sarangi said.

ÂIndus Food provides us with big opportunity to host the world F&B market in India and showcase to the world big strides that India is taking in the food and agro sector under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Top global from across the globe including Europe, Gulf and CIS countries are taking part in the mega show. Government bodies and representatives from 30 nations including Vietnam, Iran, Oman, Bahrain, Russia, UAE, Philippines are coming. We have planned 9000 business meeting during the two-day event that will lead to future exports tie up and strategic collaboration, said TPCI Chairman Mohit Singla.

The Commerce & Industry Minister Mr. Prabhu has expressed the hope that ÂIndus Food expo will not only benefit exporters but also help in improving financial condition of our farmers and those engaged in agri business.”

To promote food exports, TPCI is being supported by Department of Commerce in hosting one of the largest buyer-seller meet in the food segment in India. Many top personalities, including IranÂs Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Ali Akbar Mehrfard, Mr.Saif Sultan Al Sheibany, DG Public Authority for food Reserves of Oman, Al Kafeel religious trust of Najaf & Karbala of Iraq will also take part in the international expo.

Today India stands at sixth place in the global food and grocery market, but IndiaÂs share in food items exports is just 12%, which the government is trying to take up to 20%. India has achieved impressive results in exports of some items like prawns which has seen a jump of 17% between 2012-17, while grapes and turmeric exports have grown by 12%.

To give boost to food processing industry, Commerce and Industry Ministry is also formulating an aggressive Agri Export Policy separately. With such a powerful global trade show, India will surely be able to make the best utilization of its huge production and consumption power.