The Union Minister for Food Processing Industries inaugurated SAPLING (South Asian Policy Leadership for Improved Nutrition and Growth) Dialogue 2026, a regional high-level policy forum aimed at advancing food processing for employment generation and sustainable growth across South Asia.
Key Points
The two-day event, titled “Unlocking Value: Advancing Food Processing for Employment Generation and Sustainable Growth in South Asia”, was held in Ahmedabad on June 9 and 10.
Organised jointly by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) and the World Bank Group-led SAPLING initiative, the dialogue has brought together around 200 participants, including policymakers, industry leaders, development partners, researchers, innovators, startups and representatives from countries across South Asia.
About SAPLING
SAPLING is aligned with the World Bank Group’s AgriConnect initiative and seeks to promote resilient, nutrition-focused food systems across South Asia through policy reforms, investment mobilisation and technology-driven solutions.
The dialogue is expected to encourage cross-country learning, strengthen regional cooperation, attract private investment and support MSMEs in the food processing sector.
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