Accelerating UAE-India Food Corridor investment and trade

Dubai: The UAE-India food corridor, in tune with the UAE National Strategy for Food Security, is projected to draw investments of up to $7 billion from the Emirates and will take the country one great step further towards achieving food security. In this context the 2021 Gulfood Startup Programme focused the panel discussion on the UAE-India food corridor. The Gulfood Startup Programme connects promising food and beverage Startups with investors and business partners from all around the world to forge long-lasting business alliances with mentors, industry leaders, government bodies and clients. The panelist consisted of John Kingsly the MD and Secretary MPIDC, Madhya Pradesh Government and Poonam Malakondaiah, Special Chief Secretary, Andhra Pradesh Government. The panel discussion was moderated by Bhushan Yengade, the Founder – Food Industry Consultant of Binder Technology Consultancy. India is a global bowl food. The government of India has been reshaping the food processing ecosystem in a new format with UAE investors. The COVID 19 era opened the doors for food processing Startup innovation. This panel discussion highlighted understanding the Indian food processing scenario and government assistance to promote food processing. India leads in the production of cereals, fruits, and vegetables, milk, meat, fishery pulses, etc. This corridor has opened the door for many UAE investors to step ahead to invest in India for food security concerns.  

The Startup panel discussion opened on the state presentation note by Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Both the states highlighted the opportunities for Startup and emphasized on the government strategy to promote the food industry Startup, investment opportunities, role of logistics and supply chain and how both governments can establish a supply chain to suffice the food need of the UAE.

Madhya Pradesh is building end-to-end infrastructure as it’s located in the heart of India. John Kingsly stated the influence of MP Wheat varieties on the globe in the Roti and Pasta processing. This strategic geographical location connects the entire country and so it’s easy for all the food suppliers and traders to build a trouble-free supply chain. He also emphasized on irrigation management for the thriving agriculture and export-oriented policy to connect with UAE. 

The southern state of India projected its extension education model. They are targeting the export market by educating farmers to build backward and forward linkages with the UAE. Poonam Malakondaiah stated that Andhra Pradesh government established extension centers to connect farmers with scientists to enhance agriculture, horticulture, and aquaculture.    

Bhushan Yengade stated the significance of the UAE-India Food Corridor and how it will boost trade and food security. Being the food processing consultant in the food industry project management he also elaborated the challenges for the entire Startup companies and how India could build the ecosystem in this competitive edge. 

The Startup India initiative was launched in 2016 since then it has been linking academia, industry, and government. Since then the food and beverage processing Startup culture has been attracting international investors. The entire panelist discussed the bright future in terms of tackling food security by the food processing for UAE and India.