Saurabh Gupta | 27 Oct, 2009
France sees huge potential in agriculture and processed food sector in India, says Anne- Marie Idrac, Minister for Foreign Trade, France.

Anne- Marie Idrac stated this during her address to an Interactive session with between French Delegation and Indian industry members organized by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in New Delhi on Monday.

She said, "France wants to import processed food products from India."

Idrac focused upon five missions which the two countries should aim at: Business models for dairy, livestock and poultry, interface with public and private agencies on policy framework, dialogue on standard guideline for quality, safety and traceability, study of the cycle from crops and cattle to processed food and consumer market and links between French research and development institutes.

The minister highlighted that France and India have started a new strategic partnership two years ago, and share many common goals, one of them is to secure the access to good and safe food to growing world population. All the French companies in the delegation are eager for partnership with India in these areas on a long run.

Addressing the gathering Subodh Kant Sahai, Minister of Food Processing Industries, said that more than 70% of 1.2 billion population depends on agriculture. So agriculture and post harvest activities needs a primary focus. India and France can collaborate on a number of fronts in the field of agriculture and food processing.

He suggested that we should have a separate working group for food processing industries.

He also emphasized the need of setting up a joint quality laboratory of international standards.

Sahai focused that India has abundant raw materials and France has technology expertise, hence there is a need for a complete food park with French technologies which can act as a successful business model for the whole country.

Rakesh Bharti Mittal, Chairman, CII National Council on Agriculture, spoke about the bilateral linkages between the two countries and highlighted the key areas where there can be larger cooperation between India and France in agriculture and food processing.

He talked about food processing technologies, food regulations, dairy, poultry and livestock sector and application of agri biotechnology.

Ashok Sinha Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, suggested that grape cultivation and wine production and research and development are the two areas where there can be collaboration. P.I. Suvrathan, Chairman FSSAI focused upon the food safety scenario in India.

Wrapping up the session M K Jalan, Chairman Keventer Group stated that CII seeks greater cooperation with France to address new and upcoming challenges and opportunities of the modern day Agriculture.