The first meeting of the Agriculture, FMCG, and Food Processing Council was held in New Delhi on 7 December 2023 under the Chatham House Rule.

The meeting began with a discussion on the purpose and focus of the council, and members shared ideas to enhance the role of PAFI and its members in approaching issues concerning agriculture, FMCG, food processing and associated sectors.

The conversation moved forward through a presentation by Saifur Rahman Faridi, Partner, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co. on “The emerging landscape in the Agriculture, FMCG and Food Processing sectors.” The presentation highlighted issues such as guidelines surrounding “Green Washing;” the Jan Vishwas Bill passed in the parliament, and issues that the industry can highlight for being taken up in the next edition of the Jan Vishwas Bill; mandatory declarations in packaging, and the role of industry working with the government in combating fake goods.

The members reviewed a work plan involving stakeholder mapping by identifying policy leads in Central and state governments for partnerships and contributing towards co-creating conducive policy frameworks with stakeholders. The participants agreed to develop a common agenda involving the role of the member companies at various stages of the value chain, from the farm to the end user, to determine the next steps in the council’s operations.