Kerala has potential to lead in sustainable value-added products sector: Experts

Kochi / February 22, 2025

 

Kochi, Feb. 22: Kerala can compete on the global stage in the area of sustainable agri-food value-added products by ensuring quality and adopting innovation, experts at the two-day Invest Kerala Global Summit (IKGS 2025) said here today.

Participating in a panel session on ‘Revolutionizing Agri-Food: Innovation in Value-Added Produce and Food Processing’ on the final day of the summit at Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Centre, the panellists said while ensuring human health through the best practices in food safety, it is also vital to safeguard the soil while continuing with innovations.

In her keynote address, Ms. Mio Oka, Country Director, Asian Development Bank (ADB), India Resident Mission, said the Kerala government has rightly recognized the agri-food sector as a priority, underscoring it as a key economic driver.

Ms. Oka said Kerala, which contributes nearly 20 percent of India’s food export, is uniquely positioned to showcase innovative food processing techniques, setting an example for the entire nation. 

On the challenges being faced by the state, including high rent in labour cost and decline in agriculture productivity due to climate changes, she said ADB has been a key partner to many states like Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh by bringing in cutting-edge technologies to enhance storage, logistics and marketing.

“If ADB is given an opportunity to support Kerala, we will focus on marketing by buttressing value chains, and support to identify new markets beyond the UAE and USA, logistic infrastructure and productivity. Meanwhile, innovation and traceability are important to ensure food safety,” Ms. Oka noted. 

Mr. Sanjay Sharma, CEO, Orkla India, said to build a stronger and more resilient agri-food sector, it is important to first understand the key obstacles such as quality of produce and harvest loss, pesticide overuse and safety standards and changing consumer preferences that impact farmers, businesses and consumers alike.

He pointed out that to integrate agriculture with food processing, the latter must be seen as a natural extension of agriculture. 

Mr. Jean Mane, President & CEO, Mane Group, said with its centuries-old legacy in spice trade and a wealth of untapped botanicals, Kerala offers vast, new and original potential for innovation and growth. According to him, Kerala’s true potential is ready to shine for those willing to invest in its future.

Mr. Kiran Karamil, Counsellor, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry, Govt. of Australia, Australia High Commission; Mr. Aju Jacob, MD, Synthite Industries; and Mr. Vinod Manjila, Chairman, CII Kerala and Manjilas Food Tech, also spoke.

Ends