Sufalam 2025, a food processing start-up forum, conducted by the Ministry of food processing industries (MoFPI), in collaboration with the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM)-Kundli, ended with a vision to highlight India as an emerging global food basket.
The second day commenced with a pep talk by young entrepreneurs, who shared their inspirational journeys and innovative ideas. This was followed by a series of technical sessions, beginning with a keynote on ‘Government Funding & Policy Support for Start-ups’ delivered by representatives from Start-up India, providing valuable insights into funding schemes and policy initiatives aimed at nurturing start-ups.
A motivational session on ‘Staying Resilient in the Start-up World’ by T Prasad, professor, IIM Mumbai, offered guidance on managing challenges, building resilience, and maintaining the entrepreneurial spirit.
A panel discussion on ‘Sustainable Food Solutions’ explored emerging sustainable technologies and best practices for environmentally responsible food production. The panel discussion was preceded by a keynote address by Sanjay Khajuria, former director, corporate affairs and sustainability, Nestle.
In the final session, Subrata Gupta, secretary, MoFPI, provided detailed insights into the PMFPE (PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises) Scheme, highlighting the government’s initiatives to support micro-enterprises.
As earlier reported by IndiFoodBev, Union minister for food processing industries Chirag Paswan inaugurated the two-day event along with an exhibition. The event brought together more than 500 participants from 23 states, including industry leaders, academicians, investors, and budding entrepreneurs.
The event also featured 65 exhibitors representing 20 states, highlighting the rich diversity and innovation in India’s food processing sector. In addition to the in-person attendance, the event was broadcast live on the YouTube channel of NIFTEM-K, where it attracted over 2,600 online participants, further amplifying its reach and impact.
Harinder Singh Oberoi, director, NIFTEM-K, stated that the successful culmination of Sufalam 2025 reaffirmed MoFPI and NIFTEM-K’s commitment to catalyzing innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship in India’s food processing sector, empowering a new generation of leaders and change makers.
One of the highlights of the event was the technology transfer of the Millet Nutribar, developed by Komal Chauhan and team to SMILLET, Karnal, Haryana. Similarly, the technology for makhana-based cookies, developed by Anand Kishore and team, was transferred to Patliputra Foods, Bihar.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between NIFTEM-K and the Food Industry Capacity and Skill Initiative (FICSI). This partnership is aimed at unlocking new frontiers in food technology and bolstering skill development and innovation in the food sector.
Delegates concluded their Sufalam 2025 experience with a guided tour of the NIFTEM-K campus, visiting the pilot plant and laboratory facilities, gaining insights into food processing research and innovation.
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An English-language food and beverage processing and packaging industry B2B platform in print and web, IndiFoodBev is in its third year of publication. It is said that the Indian food and beverage industries represent approximately US$ 900 billion in revenues which implies more than 20% of the country’s GDP. Eliminating the wastage on the farmside can help to deliver more protein to a higher number of the population apart from generating sizable exports. The savings in soil, seeds, water, fertilizer, energy and ultimately food and nutrition could be the most immense contribution that country is poised to make to the moderation of climate change.
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Naresh Khanna – 10 February 2025
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