The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) and the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD) have planned a National Organic Food Festival taking place in New Delhi from February 21 to February 23, 2020. The goal of this event is to bolster the organic market and support women entrepreneurs in the area of production and processing of organic products. The theme of the festival is ‘Unleashing India’s Organic Market Potential’.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Through the Organic Food Festival
During the festival, women entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from all over India will display their organic products in assorted areas such as fruits & vegetables, ready-to-eat products, spices, and condiments, honey, cereals, dry fruits, and more. One of the central objectives of the event is to enhance business linkages and empower women entrepreneurs through pre-arranged B2B (Business-to-Business) and B2G (Business-to-Government) meetings. In line with this, the government is making substantial efforts to link women entrepreneurs with financial schemes like MUDRA (Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency) and Startup India.
Understanding Business Models: B2B and B2G
There are three fundamental business models: Business to Consumer (B2C), Business to Business (B2B), and Business to Government (B2G). B2B transactions occur between businesses. For instance, this could be a transaction between a manufacturer and a wholesaler, or a wholesaler and a retailer. This form of business stands in contrast to B2C and B2G transactions. Meanwhile, B2G involves the sale and marketing of products and services to federal, state, or local agencies.
India’s Organic Market Potential
India possesses the ninth-largest Organic Agricultural Land in the world, along with the most significant number of producers. Sikkim stands as the first organic state globally, with all its farmland certified organic. The Indian organic food segment saw a 10% growth rate from 2016 to 2020. As per the ‘Indian Organic Sector – Vision 2025’ report, India’s organic business is estimated to escalate to Rs.75,000 Crores by 2025.
Factors Contributing to the Growth of Organic Food in India
Several factors are attributing to the rise of organic food in India. These include increasing disposable incomes, heightened awareness around health and wellness, and growing acceptability. On a global scale, the demand for Indian organic food products is perpetually increasing. The most demanded organic product categories include oil seeds, cereals & millets, sugar, fruit juice concentrates, tea, spices, pulses, dry fruits, medicinal plant products, and more.
Overall, it is clear that the upcoming National Organic Food Festival aims to empower women entrepreneurs, promote different business models, and explore the immense potential of India’s organic market.
