The inaugural session of the 3-day Agro, Food & Beverage EXPOSITION AND CONFERENCE, 2025 was organized by Bharat Chamber of Commerce and supported by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India.

Gracing the event were Mr. NamgayThinley, Consul – Trade, Royal Bhutanese Consulate General, Dr. N. G. Khaitan, Chairman, 125th Anniversary Celebrations Committee, and Immediate Past President, Naresh Pachisia, President, Bharat Chamber of Commerce, and others.

West Bengal, the nation’s leading producer of rice, fish, and vegetables, has long had a comparative advantage in agri-horticultural production. Now, though, this innate strength needs to be used more comprehensively through calculated agri-marketing and food processing interventions. A solid foundation has been established to develop rural markets, mandis, and procurement systems.

The establishment of over 400 active Farmer Producer Organisations across the State speaks volumes about the rise in the agri-horticultural industry. 100 Vegetable Purchase Centres (VPCs) have been planned, with 46 already operational. These centres, managed by Self-Help Groups and Farmer Producer Organisations, are directly linked to the growing network of Sufal Bangla outlets, which currently includes over 493 permanent and 110 temporary stalls.

While consumers benefit from vegetable prices that are 10–15% less than current market rates, farmers are guaranteed fair prices for their produce thanks to this integrated system. But in order to advance up the agricultural value chain, the State must urgently improve cold chain logistics, strengthen infrastructure, improve quality certification processes, and increase access to financing, particularly for agri-based MSMEs and perishable goods.

This event not only provided a platform for discussing best practices, investment opportunities, and regulatory pathways crucial for sectoral growth, but it also showcased innovation and excellence in agro and food processing.

Priyanka Dutta