The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), in association with Food Tech and Snack & BakeTec, organized a panel discussion on “Food Processing Industry—Facilitation, Infrastructure & Technology” at Radisson Blu on Thursday night.

The discussion focused on government facilitation, infrastructure development, and technology adoption in the food processing sector.

Dr. E. Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, IFS, Special Secretary, Investment Promotion & External Engagement & VC & MD of Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC), Government of Telangana, was the Chief Guest. The event also featured prominent speakers from government institutions such as APEDA, FSSAI, TGFPS, and TGIIC, along with key industry representatives from Telangana.

Food Processing: A Crucial Growth Driver

Dr. Reddy emphasized that food processing plays a critical role in increasing farmers' incomes by adding value to their produce. “Every government aims to boost farmer earnings, and without developing food processing, this goal may not be achieved,” he stated. He also highlighted post-harvest food grain wastage as a significant concern.

The Telangana government is committed to establishing an industrial zone outside RRR with a focus on the MSME sector, particularly food processing industries. “While the government aims to set up food processing units near the source of raw materials, industries often prefer locations closer to consumers to reduce logistics costs. We are working to maintain a fine balance between these priorities,” Dr. Reddy added. He also encouraged industry stakeholders to engage with the Telangana Food Processing Society, a government initiative supporting the sector.

Opportunities for Growth

India’s food and beverage packaging industry is projected to grow from $33.7 billion in 2023 to $46.3 billion by 2028. The panelists noted that strategic government and industry collaboration could drive sustainable growth in this sector, expanding both domestic and global markets.

The discussion was moderated by Sri S. Chandra Mohan, Chair, Agro and Food Processing Committee, and Managing Director of Sahasra Crop Science Pvt. Ltd. Panelists included:

• Sri R. P. Naidu, Regional Director, APEDA, Telangana

• Sri K. Balunaik, Deputy Director, FSSAI, Telangana

• Smt. G. Sushma, Director (Business Development), TGFPS

• Sri G. V. K. Naidu, Founder & CMD, Sam Agritech Limited

• Sri Mukunda Jandhyala, CEO, Jandhyala India Foods

The Need for a Robust Food Processing Industry

In his welcome address, Mr. Ravi Kumar, Senior Vice President of FTCCI, underscored the food processing industry’s crucial role in economic development. He pointed out that although India has achieved self-sufficiency in food production, post-harvest losses remain a challenge. Currently, food processing in India accounts for only a small fraction of total agricultural output:

• Fruits: 4.5%

• Vegetables: 2.7%

• Milk: 21.1%

• Meat: 34.2%

• Fish: 15.4%

“A strong food processing sector, supported by advanced techniques, can reduce waste, enhance value addition, promote crop diversity, increase farmer incomes, create employment, and boost export revenue,” Mr. Kumar noted.

Sri K.K. Maheshwari, Vice President of FTCCI, concluded the event with a vote of thanks.

With increasing focus on technology and infrastructure, the food processing industry in Telangana is poised for transformative growth, driving economic benefits for both farmers and businesses alike.