SAPLING Dialogue 2026 Concludes -Focus on Global Cooperation
Why in the news?
The two-day SAPLING (South Asian Policy Leadership for Improved Nutrition and Growth) Dialogue 2026 concluded on 10 June 2026 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, with a call for a concrete action plan for the holistic development of the food processing sector in South Asia.
About SAPLING Dialogue 2026
- Jointly organised by: Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Government of India and World Bank Group
- Venue: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Duration: 9-10 June 2026
- Participants: Around 200 delegates.
Participants Included
- Policymakers, Industry leaders, International organisations, Development partners, Researchers, Startups, Financial institutions, and Representatives from South Asian countries
Theme
- “Unlocking Value: Advancing Food Processing for Employment Generation and Sustainable Growth in South Asia”
Key Objectives
- Strengthen resilient, inclusive and sustainable food systems in South Asia.
- Promote regional cooperation in food processing.
- Encourage value addition in agriculture.
- Facilitate technology adoption in the sector.
- Generate employment opportunities.
- Enhance farmer incomes and rural development.
- Support MSMEs and women entrepreneurs.
Conclusion
The SAPLING Dialogue 2026 stressed the importance of the power that the food processing industry holds in generating value for agriculture, creating jobs, and achieving sustainable economic growth in South Asia. Through regional collaboration, technology development, and the involvement of farmers, MSMEs, and female entrepreneurs, the dialogue aims to develop sustainable food systems and increase nutritional security.
