Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 22 February 2025
The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Kolkata, in collaboration with the Directorate of Industries, A&N Administration, and supported by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI), Government of India, organized the ‘Andaman Food Tech Conclave’ at Hotel Sinclairs Bay View, Sri Vijaya Puram. The event focused on identifying opportunities in the food processing sector and addressing challenges, particularly in the coconut and fisheries industries, to attract investment in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The Conclave was inaugurated by Ms. Pallavi Sarkar, IAS, Secretary (Agriculture/AH&VS), A&N Administration, in the presence of key officials including Dr. J.P. Dongare, Deputy Agricultural Marketing Advisor, MOFPI, Mr. Rakesh Das, Director of Industries, Ms. Jagtap Kalyani Rajendra, Director (Fisheries), Ms. Madhuparna Bhowmick, Senior Director, Indian Chamber of Commerce, and Dr. K. Chandrasekaran, President, Andaman Nicobar Chamber of Commerce & Industries (ANCCI).
In her keynote address, Ms. Sarkar highlighted the vast potential within the food processing sector and emphasized the need to leverage the region’s organic livestock resources for branding in both domestic and international markets.
Ms. Jagtap Kalyani Rajendra, Director (Fisheries), discussed advancements in fish processing technology and encouraged the development of new food products derived from fisheries. Meanwhile, Mr. Rakesh Das, Director of Industries, outlined various government initiatives, including the Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme, aimed at promoting entrepreneurship in the sector.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Ms. Madhuparna Bhowmick, Senior Director, ICC, while Dr. Chandrasekaran, President of ANCCI, delivered the vote of thanks.
Following the inaugural session, a technical session featured insights from senior officials and experts from MOFPI, the Fisheries Survey of India, MPEDA, CFTRI, NABARD, SBI, and the Industries Department. They detailed the initiatives undertaken by their respective organisations to boost the food processing industry in the region.
During the session, Mr. Sindhupathi Raja, Assistant Director (Tech), Directorate of Industries, provided an in-depth presentation on the PMFME scheme. Additionally, Ms. Sunitha Kumari, Deputy Director, Directorate of Industries, briefed participants on the department’s startup initiatives and highlighted a startup pitching session. The event also included the announcement of winners from a Handicraft Logo/Slogan and Promotional Video Competition held on February 20, 2025, with merit certificates awarded to recognize their contributions.
The Andaman Food Tech Conclave served as a vital platform for stakeholders to discuss strategies, innovations, and investment opportunities to drive the growth of the food processing industry in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.