CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Chandigarh/Paris. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday, 18 October, inaugurated Markfed’s exhibition stall at the international food and beverage exhibition ‘SIAL Paris 2026’ in Paris. On the occasion, he also launched two new products under Punjab’s leading brand ‘Sohna’ – canned white chickpeas and rajma. The initiative aims to take Punjab’s agricultural products to international markets and create opportunities to increase farmers’ income.
Launching the new products under the Sohna brand, the Chief Minister inaugurated Markfed’s stall at the India Pavilion and presented Punjab’s agricultural heritage, food-processing capacity and traditional cuisine on a global platform. The new products launched under the Sohna brand include white chickpeas preserved in brine and red rajma. These products will expand the ready-to-use canned food category.
Bhagwant Mann said Punjab’s farmers, entrepreneurs and cooperative institutions have the capacity to compete in international markets. The government’s aim, he said, is not to limit agricultural produce to sale as raw produce, but to increase its value through processing, modern packaging and branding. According to the Chief Minister, participation in international exhibitions can help develop new business contacts for Punjab’s products. This is expected to encourage exports and create new opportunities for farmers and people associated with the food-processing industry.
Markfed’s stall showcased Punjab’s traditional food products and processed foods. Products under the Sohna brand include mustard greens, dal makhani, rajma, kadhi-pakora and Amritsari chole. The initiative is an effort to connect Punjab’s agricultural economy with the global market. However, the actual increase in farmers’ income and exports will be assessed from future trade agreements and sales figures.
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