8th August 2024: Inspired by Mamata Banerjee, Hon'ble Chief Minister of West Bengal, Department of Food Processing Industry and Horticulture, Government of West Bengal, proudly announces the celebration of "Bengal Fruit & Food Festival", which will be highlighting exotic fruits, regional produces, and diverse culinary delights. This unique festival arises amidst the absence of the traditional "Mango Mela" organized by this Department in Mid June. Due to enforcement of Model code of conduct of just concluded Parliamentary Election, 2024, "Mango Mela" could not be held in June which is considered as Mango season.
Scheduled to commence from August 9 to 11, 2024, at Netaji Indoor Stadium, Kolkata this three- day extravaganza promises to be a vibrant celebration of Bengal's rich horticultural heritage and food diversity. The festival aims to showcase a plethora of exotic fruits alongside local favorites, offering visitors a delightful culinary experience.
The inauguration ceremony, scheduled for August 9, 2024, will witness the esteemed presence of eight ministers of various Departments and Shri Arup Roy, Hon'ble Minister-in-Charge, FPI&H Deptt., will officially inaugurate the program. The detailed list of Hon'ble Ministers has been given below. The festival will also feature captivating cultural programs each evening, adding to the festive ambiance. Some of the eminent artists of our cultural program are Shri Swapan Basu- Folk Singer, Smt. Pranati Thakur- Reciter, Shri Satinath Mukhopadhyay- Reciter, Shri Soumi Ghosh- versatile singer, Shri Alok Roy Chowdhury- singer etc.
Highlight events during the Bengal Fruit & Food Festival include:
· 9th August, 2024: Audience Quiz.
· 10th August, 2024: Panel Discussion: "Steps to Enhance Horticultural Crop Cultivation in Response to Climate Change and Food Processing,".
· 11th August, 2024: Cooking Competition.
The list of Hon'ble Ministers:
1. Shri Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay, Hon'ble Minister-in-Charge, Agriculture Deptt. - Chief Guest
2. Shri Moloy Ghatak, Hon'ble Minister-in-Charge, Judicial, Labour, Law Deptt.- Spl. Guest
3. Shri Pradip Kr. Mazumdar, Hon'ble Minister-in-Charge, Panchayat & Rural Dev. Deptt. & Cooperation Deptt. - Spl. Guest
4. Shri Biplab Mitra, Hon'ble Minister-in-Charge, Consumer Affairs Deptt. - Spl. Guest
5. Shri Swapan Debnath, Hon'ble Minister-in-Charge, Animal Resource Development Deptt. - Spl. Guest
6. Md. Ghulam Rabbani, Hon'ble Minister-in-Charge, Environment Deptt. - Spl. Guest
7. Shri Biplab Roychowdhury, Hon'ble Minister of State (I/C), Fisheries, Aquaculture, Aquatic Resources and Fishing Harbour Deptt. - Spl. Guest
8. Shri Becharam Manna, Hon'ble Minister of State (I/C)- Agriculture Marketing Deptt. - Spl. Guest.
A glimpse into the diverse array of stalls from various departments and organizations that will enrich the Bengal Food and Fruit Festival:
(From FPI&H Department)
1. A significant portion of the stalls, 15 to be exact, are given to the Horticulture Directorate and Food Processing Directorate jointly. Here, visitors can expect a visual and educational journey through the horticultural marvels of various districts. From exotic fruits to indigenous vegetables, like dragon fruit, mashroom, Chandramallika, fruit syrup, dried mango etc. along with processed food like jam, jelly, pickles, cake, chocolate, caned pinaple and many more. It will accommodate processed food, spices and herbs, vegetables and fruit market, bank, dairy products, sweet, meat, ice cream, confectionery, restaurants.
2. There is a pavilion for Food Processing Industry where two schemes will be exhibited-PMFME & WB Food Processing Incentive Scheme 2021.
3. One stall is allotted to DCOMP which will be selling spices like black peeper, big cardamom, coffee, lemon grass, Mentha oil, cinchona bark, citron and black berry
4. For the intellectually curious people, a pavilion will be hosted by a department, directorate and corporation jointly showcasing literary resources and magazines.
(From other Deptt)
1. West Bengal Swarojgar Corporation Limited: This organization is likely to showcase stalls featuring locally produced handicrafts, handloom products, and artisanal items that highlight the skills and talents of rural entrepreneurs.
2. Anandadhara (PnRD): Known for promoting rural development through self-help groups, Anandadhara may present stalls offering a variety of handmade goods, organic produce, and rural crafts that reflect the cultural richness of rural Bengal.
3. Fisheries Department: Featuring a variety of fresh and processed food products from West Bengal's abundant fisheries.
4. Sundarban Cooperative Milk & Livestock Producers Union Ltd: This organization might showcase stalls offering dairy products such as yogurt, ghee, and locally produced cheeses.
5. Sufal Bangla (Agriculture): Sufal Bangla is likely to feature stalls brimming with fresh fruits, vegetables, and organic produce sourced directly from local farmers. It's an opportunity for visitors to connect with the agricultural heartland of Bengal.
6. Consumer Affairs Department: Stalls from this department could focus on consumer education and awareness. They may offer information on consumer rights, fair trade practices, and perhaps even showcase products that have received quality assurance certifications.
7. Animal Resources Development (ARD): ARD might present stalls for selling meat product, along with information on animal husbandry practices, veterinary care, and perhaps demonstrations related to animal products.
These departments and organizations collectively contribute to the festival's vibrant atmosphere, offering a blend of agricultural, artisanal, and educational experiences that celebrate the cultural and economic richness of West Bengal. Each stall represents a facet of the region's diverse heritage and ongoing efforts in rural development, agriculture, and consumer welfare.
And some other stalls (approx. 30) will be hosted by commercial entity which will be selling foods, confectioneries and other commercial items.
These events aim not only to entertain but also to educate and inspire discussions on sustainable horticulture and food processing techniques.
Join us in celebrating Bengal's Horticultural excellence and culinary heritage at the "Bengal Fruit & Food Festival".
_By Food Processing Industry & Horticulture Deptt. Govt. of West Bengal_
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