Agbiz to showcase latest technology

by Mohammed NAALIR

The Pro foods Pro pack and Agbiz exhibition-2012 "from the Farm to the Kitchen" will be held on July 6, 7, and 8 next year at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre in Colombo.

National Agribusiness Council Secretary Rohitha Nanayakkara, Chairman of Processed Food Development Initiative (PFDI) Mario de Alwis, Additional Secretary of Agriculture Ministry Dr. D.B.T. Wijeratne, President of Sri Lanka Food Processors Association (SLFPA) Hamilton Diaz, Profood Propack and Agbiz-2012 Organising Committee, Chairman of Profood Propack and Agbiz-2012 Organising Committee Dhammika Gunasekara, Vice President JKH, Head of Ceylon Cold Stores PLC Chaminda Perera and General Manager Sri Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services (Pvt) Ltd Aasim Mukthar at the head table. pix- Saliya Rupasinghe

Briefing the media at Ceylon Continental Hotel Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, D.B.T. Wijeratne said that the exhibition will help stakeholders, specially farmers and food processors to share the latest technology.

The exhibition will cater to the needs of various sectors in Sri Lanka.

He said that technological dissemination is a problem in the agriculture sector.

He said that even though there is enough technology in Sri Lanka, it doesn't go to stakeholders especially to farmers.

The industrial sector is holding the exhibition jointly with the agricultural sector. This will be a gateway for the exchange of technology between the industrial sector and agriculture sector, Wijeratne said.

He expressed confidence that the exhibition will help cater to the needs of all stakeholders of the food industry including farmers.

The government has allocated sufficient funds to develop the agriculture sector in the 2012 Budget . The Government has allocated Rs. 500 million for special development activities.

The Pro Food Pro Pack Agbiz 2012 will be the ideal place to launch new products and services within the industry. It will give manufacturers and producers an ideal opportunity to witness consumer reaction.There will be 300 stalls and over 10,000 new products will be launched.

A cookery demonstration will be undertaken by senior chefs. A separate cookery competition will also be held for housewives. The exhibition will include competitions, cookery, and a wide range of events. Pro Food Pack and Agbiz 2012 will give the public and stakeholders a unique experience into the inner workings of the food and beverage industry.