UK envoy calls on Food Processing Industries Minister

British High Commissioner James Bevan called on Minister Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal here yesterday, and both shared with each other various measures that India shall adopt to take food processing industries to the next level.

Sharing goals set for the next few months, Badal said, "food processing has immense potential in the country particularly to boost the economy especially rural economy and therefore goal for next few months would be to create a food map of India, so that both the government and the industries understand what is target area and what need to do".

According to an official statement, she said that to revolutionize food processing in the country at farm level, India has to take a quantum leap and adopt most practical model at policy level where the husband who works in the farm, woman who works at the processing unit and together the family markets the processed food.

High Commissioner Bevan listed out certain priorities of his government in supporting food processing initiative in India.

Bevan informed Badal that soon a business delegation shall also be coming for business to business cooperation, and the UK could help India in arresting food wastage and skill development.

Badal welcomed the cooperation by the British, and stated that she would look forward to more stronger cooperation between the two countries.

She also met representatives of the Indian Rice Millers Associations and listened to the concerns of the rice millers.

Later, Venktesh Kini, President, South West Asia Coca Cola, met the minister and apprised her of his company's forthcoming investment of USD six billion into food beverages all over India.

Badal asked Kini to diversify into the field of fruit juices also. Kini assured the Minister that Coca Cola would diversify into fruit based beverages in a big way.