Innovation in food industry not just for economic growth, but to support farmers: KTR in US

CHICAGO: KTR visited the Chicago Food Stop in World Business Chicago during his stay in the city. 'World Business Chicago' is the city of Chicago’s public‑private economic development agency. Chicago Food Stop has food kiosks, interactive displays, historical artifacts, and a mainstage theater. It features partner brands who want to tell their food stories, share what they know about food, and receive real-time feedback on new products.

Chicago stands at the forefront of food innovation, serving as the legacy centre for food production and distribution. Renowned as a hub for the transformation of raw agricultural products into consumable goods, Chicago's food processing industry has nurtured a thriving and well-developed innovation ecosystem.

During his visit to the Chicago Food Stop, the Minister engaged with local entrepreneurs and vendors asking questions about food processing technology and procurement practices. After getting insights from Chicago's Food Innovation Ecosystem, the Minister spoke about his idea to create something similar in Telangana.

"Embracing innovation in our food industry is not just about economic growth, but also about supporting our local farmers," KTR said. He pointed out that Telangana had immense potential to create a thriving food innovation hub that not only contributed to the overall development of the State but also would enhances farmers' income.

KTR shared his vision for Telangana's food processing sector, highlighting how it could increase farmers' earnings by giving more value to their crops. "We are strategically located in the heart of the country, making Telangana an ideal location for food processing units. Our goal is to establish Telangana as a central hub for food processing," he said.

During his interactions, the Minister explained how Telangana witnessed remarkable progress in the agriculture and allied sectors.

KTR highlighted the State's five revolutions, including those in agriculture, dairy, meat, fish, and edible oil production. The Telangana government's farmer-friendly initiatives contributed to the growth of these sectors and the overall economy of the state. With an increase in food production, the focus now turner towards food processing.

Telangana's commitment to the food processing sector was evident from its tailor-made incentives for industries and significant capital investments. The minister referred to the presence of renowned brands like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and ITC in the state's food processing landscape. The State government was actively helping this sector grow by earmarking 10,000 acres for special zones focused on food processing.