Punjab CM Promotes Food Processing Industry at SIAL Paris, Launches Two Sohna Products

PARIS: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday promoted the state's food processing industry and launched two new products under Markfed's SOHNA brand at SIAL Paris 2026, an international food industry exhibition being held in France from October 17 to 21. The new products, *Chickpeas in Brine* (Chitte Chhole) and *Red Kidney Beans in Brine* (Rajmah), expand Markfed's range of ready-to-use canned foods and are aimed at taking Punjab's traditional agricultural produce to international markets. Mann, who is leading a delegation of the Punjab State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation Limited (Markfed), inaugurated the federation's exhibition stall at the India Pavilion. The stall showcases Punjab's agricultural heritage, food processing capabilities and potential as a supplier of quality food products to global markets. SIAL Paris is a major international food trade exhibition held every two years, bringing together food producers, processors, buyers and other industry professionals from across the world. The event provides a platform for companies to showcase products, explore business partnerships and expand their international presence. Addressing a gathering at the Markfed stall, Mann said Punjab had traditionally been known as India's food basket, and the state's next priority was to establish itself as a globally recognised centre for quality food products, value-added agriculture and modern manufacturing. He said Punjab's farmers, entrepreneurs and industries had considerable potential to compete in international markets and that participation in exhibitions such as SIAL Paris could open new opportunities for the state's products. The launch of the two canned food products reflects the state's efforts to move beyond conventional agricultural production towards food processing, value addition, modern packaging, branding and export-oriented manufacturing. Processing agricultural produce into ready-to-use products can help expand market opportunities and increase the value of farm produce. The new products complement Markfed's existing range of Punjabi ready-to-eat dishes and processed foods marketed under the SOHNA brand. Their introduction also seeks to make traditional Punjabi food products accessible to consumers outside India. During his visit, Mann highlighted the contribution of Markfed, Milkfed, which markets dairy products under the Verka brand, and Punjab Agro in strengthening the state's agricultural economy. Products from these organisations are being showcased collectively under the Punjab Mart umbrella at the exhibition, presenting Punjab's agricultural and food processing capabilities to international buyers. The state government's initiative focuses on strengthening the link between agriculture and industry by encouraging the processing and branding of agricultural produce rather than relying solely on the sale of raw commodities. Greater emphasis on processed foods and international marketing could create opportunities for cooperative institutions, food manufacturers and farmers to reach new markets. Through its participation in SIAL Paris 2026, Punjab is seeking to showcase its traditional food products and processing capabilities while exploring opportunities to expand the global reach of its agricultural produce.