New York, Mar 1: India will host the first global conference on agro-industries, to be held in New Delhi from April 8 to 11, with its focus on their role in economic development and poverty reduction.

Around 500 senior representatives from the agro-industry, governments, technical and financing institutions, civil society and un Agencies

will discuss the potential of agro-industries and the challenges faced by them.

The conference is being jointly organised by Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and the International Fund For Agricultural Development (IFAD).

Rapid globalisation, market liberalisation, and urbanisation have created new opportunities for countries to trade agricultural and food products; however, they have also created challenges and increased risks, FAO said.

Countries with inefficient agro-industries are likely to be left behind those with modern and efficient ones.

While high-income countries add, on average, USD 180 of value by processing one metric ton of agricultural products, developing countries generate only USD 40 of value per metric ton, the United Nations Food Agency said.

Increasing the market opportunities particularly for small-scale producers in rural areas, by improving their production, processing and marketing capabilities, will be one of the main issues of the conference.

Delivering better products at lower prices could be beneficial for poor consumers and could also create employment opportunities, the agency said.

The forum will also encourage dialogue between the private and public sector in order to foster partnerships for developing competitive agro-industries.