Lucknow: The 63rd Annual General Meeting of the Uttar Pradesh Roller Flour Millers Association (UPRFMA) brought together roller flour millers, food-processing entrepreneurs, industry experts, financial institutions and representatives of leading domestic and international companies in Lucknow on Saturday. Discussions focused on wheat availability, government policies, technology, food safety, value addition and the future of the milling industry.
Ayush Minister (Independent Charge) Dr Dayashankar Mishra ‘Dayalu’, who attended as chief guest, said wheat was closely linked to food security and livelihoods and stressed the importance of quality, hygiene, modern technology and food safety in the milling sector.
In a video message, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated UPRFMA and highlighted its journey since its establishment in 1962. He noted the association’s role in representing the interests of the roller flour milling industry, facilitating dialogue between the government and industry and supporting modernisation.
UPRFMA president Deepak Kumar Bajaj said the roller flour milling sector acts as a link between farmers and consumers. He called for greater focus on automation, energy efficiency, food safety, sustainability and value-added products. He also raised concerns over mandi fees in Uttar Pradesh and the additional costs faced by mills when procuring wheat from other states.
Technical sessions discussed the “Mill of Tomorrow”, covering automation, traceability, energy efficiency, food safety and sustainable milling. Another session examined wheat availability, procurement strategies, exports and government policies.
The AGM also saw MoUs signed between UPRFMA and SIDBI, as well as between UPRFMA and IGrain.
The evening concluded with the Golden Grain Awards, recognising industry veterans, young entrepreneurs and professionals for contributions to milling technology, sustainability, women entrepreneurship and the sector’s long-term development.
