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.
[2023] Consider the following statements with reference to India:
1. According to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act, 2006, the ‘medium enterprises’ are those with and machinery between is crore and 25 crore.
2. All bank loans to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises qualify under the priority sector.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[A] 1 only
[B] 2 only
[C] Both 1 and 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2