|
|
|
You can get e-magazine links on WhatsApp. Click here
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bihar showcases global agri-food potential at International Buyer-Seller Meet 2025
|
|
Wednesday, 21 May, 2025, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
|
|
Our Bureau, New Delhi
|
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries in partnership with Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI), and Government of Bihar, organised the International Buyer Seller Meet (IBSM) in Patna, Bihar. The event aimed to bring together key stakeholders from the food and allied sectors to promote trade, strengthen exports, and unlock Bihar’s agri-food potential.
The inaugural session was graced by Chirag Paswan, Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Vijay Kumar Sinha, deputy chief minister of Bihar, Nitish Mishra, Industries Minister of Bihar and other senior officials from the MoFPI, APEDA, TPCI, and Government of Bihar.
The meet witnessed participation from 70 international buyers representing 20 countries, including six global retail chains, alongside 50 domestic and 20 institutional buyers. With over 400 curated B2B meetings, the event generated new market linkages, boosted procurement opportunities for local MSMEs and FPOs, and translated Bihar’s agri-strengths into export success.
The event witnessed strong interest from global players like LuLu Group (UAE), SARTAJ (Japan), Datar & Sons, (UAE) and Global Foods Trading (Germany), who are exploring large-scale procurement of rice, spices, makhana, and fruits from Bihar. Companies such as Royal Golden Trading (UAE) and UVR Natural Foods (India) have also announced concrete sourcing plans, reaffirming Bihar’s emergence as a trusted sourcing hub under the proactive efforts of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries.
The session began with a welcome address by Abhishek Dev, Chairman, APEDA, who emphasised that the IBSM is an outcome of sustained institutional efforts to bridge market access for India’s agricultural producers and processors. He noted that initiatives such as the launch of ‘Tracenet 2.0’ in 2025 for traceability of organic and GI-tagged products would further enhance credibility and export readiness of Indian produce.
Mihir Kumar Singh, additional chief secretary, Industries, Government of Bihar and Minhaj Alam, additional secretary, MoFPI also stressed upon the need to increase the level of food processing in the state to generate long term employment and investment.
Mishra, in his keynote address, stated, “Bihar has the potential to become the growth engine of East India.” He mentioned about the presence of a Government of India-approved Mega Food Park at Muzaffarpur and encouraged investors to leverage Bihar’s industrial infrastructure. He mentioned state’s investor-ready ecosystem and the proactive allotment of land within 7 days through the Single Window Clearance System.
Sinha underscored the importance of the food processing sector and mentioned that it is the best way to double farmers’ income.
The Inaugural Address was delivered by Paswan, who reiterated Government vision of ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’. He said, “This International Buyer Seller Meet is not just a trade event, it is a turning point for rural prosperity. We envision Bihar's youth to become job creators, not job seekers. We will ensure every investor is fully facilitated by Government.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|