Mysuru: “The Indian food processing industry accounts for 32 percent of the country’s total food market, one of the largest industries in India and is ranked fifth in terms of production, consumption, export and expected growth,” said Dr. Chidamabar, Designated Officer, Food Safety and Standard Authority, Mysuru District.

He was speaking after inaugurating a training programme for Food Safety Supervisors organised by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and CII Foundation as part of its Surakshit Khadya Abhiyan, at a private hotel in city on Friday.

He said that 50 percent of Indian consumer base is below 30 years. The food processing industry contributes around 14 percent of manufacturing Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 13 percent of India’s exports and six percent of total industrial investment. Food processing sectors have the potential to attract as much as US $33 billion of investment over the next 10 years and also to generate employment of nine million person-days.

India already has all the requirements for a head-start in the food-processing industry. Especially, Mysuru is well placed for this sector as the basic materials such as food grains, pulses, vegetables, meat and fish can be sourced locally, he said and added that the presence of prominent R and D institutions like CFTRI and DFRL is an important unique selling propositions for the medium, small and micro enterprises, to explore newer products and technologies.

“As a consumer I expect and demand safe, good quality food. Successful domestic and exports depends on these factors. It is very critical that food industry meet their food safety and quality responsibilities by implementing quality assurance systems along the food production chain. This can be achieved with good manufacturing practices, good hygienic practices etc,” he said.

CII, Mysuru Chairman Arjun Ranga, Head V.M. Mouli and Senior Consultant Dr. K.N. Shasikant, Food Safety and Quality of CII Food and Agriculture Centre of Excellence and a national resource person of  Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, New Delhi, were present. Nearly 30 people from various food industries are participating in the one-day training programme.