Jharsuguda, Jan 22 (KNN) In a bid to uplift the rural economy, industry experts and business leaders have strongly advocated for the establishment of more small-scale industries in the agriculture and food processing sector.

This call to action came during the 'Opportunities in Agriculture and Food Processing' session at the 24th edition of Enterprise Odisha, organized by CII.

The three-day event, held for the first time in Jharsuguda, witnessed investment commitments exceeding Rs 23,000 crore.

More than 150 B2B meetings were organised, providing small units with opportunities to explore new business prospects with larger enterprises.

The event boasted a diverse mix of exhibitions, conferences, and sectorial sessions, attracting over 1,000 participants, 150 exhibitors, and 54 industry partners.

Speaking at the event, Advisor Emeritus at Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture, Parth R Dasgupta, highlighted the immense potential for the development of agro-based industries in the state. He urged farmers to leverage progressive agriculture techniques and explore the diverse and profitable cultivation of crops.

Hemant Sharma, the Principal Secretary of Industries, encouraged self-help groups (SHGs) to seize opportunities in the food processing sector. He emphasised the establishment of industrial parks in all districts to promote local entrepreneurs.

Siddhant Narayan Kaul, Chairman of CII Eastern Region, commended Odisha's pro-business environment and stressed the importance of events like Enterprise Odisha in connecting large industrial units with MSMEs, thereby catalysing the state's overall development.

Notable international participation included 58 companies from outside Odisha and delegates from Australia, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar.

The event also saw the launch of a handbook on 'Opportunities for MSMEs.' Bhupendra Singh Punia, Managing Director of IPICOL and IDCO, was present, further emphasising the commitment to fostering small-scale industries across the state through the establishment of industrial parks in all districts.

(KNN Bureau)