Punjab’s food future needs value addition: Governor Kataria at CHEFEX

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UT Administrator inaugurates three-day expo in Chandigarh as over 700 chefs and food industry stakeholders gather to explore food processing, hospitality and culinary innovation

Chandigarh, September 19

Punjab must move beyond basic commodity production towards a value-added food economy by strengthening links between farmers, chefs, processors and markets, Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria said on Saturday.

Inaugurating CHEFEX India 2026 at Parade Ground, Sector 17, Chandigarh, Kataria said Punjab’s agricultural wealth and culinary heritage could create avenues for investment, entrepreneurship, employment and economic growth.

“Punjab has a rich agricultural heritage and an equally strong culinary tradition. The focus should now be on connecting these strengths with food processing, technology, innovation and modern markets. From the farm to the fork, every link in the chain must develop together to ensure the all-round growth of the food industry,” he added.

Addressing chefs and food service entrepreneurs, Kataria also stressed the importance of healthy produce and sustainable farming practices. “Great food starts with healthy soil. With decades of soil degradation catching up to us, switching to low-burden crops like millets and organic produce isn’t just a culinary choice, it is a responsibility to the nation’s health,” he Governor added.

More than 700 chefs in white coats are participating in the three-day showcase, which is also drawing visitors exploring food products, hospitality solutions, culinary displays and innovations. The exhibition concludes on September 20.

Meanwhile, Karan Gilhotra, Chair, Punjab PHDCCI, said the participation of more than 700 chefs and the visitor response demonstrated the potential of CHEFEX. He said the PHDCCI would endeavour to make the event an annual affair to provide Chandigarh and Punjab with a regular platform for business networking, knowledge sharing and opportunities across the food and hospitality ecosystem.

Rakhi Gupta Bhandari, Principal Secretary, Department of Food Processing, Government of Punjab, highlighted the potential of food processing and value addition and said culinary innovations by Indian brands should be promoted on the global stage. She also spoke about the success of the PMFME scheme in promoting brands developed by women entrepreneurs in the state.

Addressing the gathering, Chef Harpal Sokhi said chefs were increasingly becoming an important link between farmers, ingredients, technology and consumers. “We have to respect our produce, understand its journey and present Indian food in ways that connect with the modern world,” he added.

Chef Manjit Gill, meanwhile, highlighted the importance of professional skills while preserving India’s culinary identity.

CHEFEX India 2026 brings together chefs, food processors, hospitality companies, suppliers, entrepreneurs and industry stakeholders, with a focus on catering, hospitality, food processing and retail.