ENA State 2024-01-22 14:38:40 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Jharsuguda, Jan 22 (KNN)</strong> 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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">This call to action came during the 'Opportunities in Agriculture and Food Processing' session at the 24th edition of Enterprise Odisha, organized by CII.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The three-day event, held for the first time in Jharsuguda, witnessed investment commitments exceeding Rs 23,000 crore.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">More than 150 B2B meetings were organised, providing small units with opportunities to explore new business prospects with larger enterprises.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The event boasted a diverse mix of exhibitions, conferences, and sectorial sessions, attracting over 1,000 participants, 150 exhibitors, and 54 industry partners.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Notable international participation included 58 companies from outside Odisha and delegates from Australia, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><em><strong>(KNN Bureau)</strong></em></span></p> 36377 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/state/small-scale-agro-industries-to-drive-local-entrepreneurship-in-odisha 2024-01-22 14:38:40 knnindia.co.in