'Big scope for women entrepreneurs in traditional food sector’

NAGPUR: The Vidarbha Industries Association's (VIA) Lady Entrepreneur Wing conducted a session on 'Food safety standards for small entrepreneurs in food sector' where experts explained about huge scope for women entrepreneurs in traditional food sector. 

FSSI joint commissioner SS Desai was keynote speaker while LIT's former Head of Food Technology Department Pratima Shashtri and director of ANACON Laboratories Sunanda Garve provided their valuable inputs. 

Desai spoke at length about various mandatory licenses food manufacturers have to obtain before starting an enterprise and compliances they have to adhere to. He pointed out that the government in an attempt to promote small entrepreneurs, made the licensing procedure relatively simple and obtainable in a short timeframe of two months. 

He explained in depth how the license form has to be filled in, necessary documents that needs to be attached, fees to be paid and penalty that arises due to non-compliance. "The small food entrepreneurs need not take operating license, they can just register their firms with FDA by paying a small fees and commence operations," he said. 

He further highlighted some of new regulations that has become a part of FDA rules and how it has become much more user friendly. Desai promised the full guidance and co-operation to all lady entrepreneurs desiring to venture in to food sector. 

Shashtri spoke on scope in food sector and rules and regulations related to it. She said changing lifestyle and food habits have become order of the day. "There is a paradigm shift in habits because of more women professionals are entering into the food sector. The world today has become a global village." 

She said the traditional food items has become a little cumbersome to prepare and easy to cook food has become a better option. She however stated that there is big scope in traditional food sector. She highlighted some of the healthy breakfast food that her NGO members, who are destitute and handicapped, manufacture which are ready to eat and full of nutrition.