In an effort to address the growing challenges of pest management and environmental sustainability, the Wheat Products Promotion Society (WPPS), the apex body for wheat and wheat-based industries since 1987, convened a prominent conference in Hyderabad today. Industry leaders and professionals gathered to share insights on the latest advancements in grain storage, fumigation practices, and integrated pest management. The event highlighted the urgent need for sustainable and innovative solutions to help the wheat milling industry meet the evolving demands of global food production.
The Wheat Products Promotion Society (WPPS) hosted a landmark conference in Hyderabad today, bringing together over 100 industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders to tackle the pressing challenges of pest management, food safety, and sustainability in the wheat milling industry. Held at Vivanta Hyderabad Begumpet, the event served as a crucial platform for exploring the latest trends and innovations in grain storage, fumigation, and pest control. As climate change, regulatory shifts, and global food security demands put increasing pressure on the wheat milling sector, the conference highlighted the need for sustainable and innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of global food production.
The day-long conference kicked off with a opening ceremony, where Mr. Manish Gupta, President of the Telangana Roller Flour Mills Association, underscored the urgency of technological innovation and sustainable practices in the wheat milling industry. Mr. Gupta encouraged delegates to engage in discussions that would help shape a more efficient, environmentally responsible future for the sector. Mr. Ajay Goyal, Chairman of WPPS, also addressed the gathering, reflecting on the Society’s role in advancing the wheat-based industry since its founding in 1987, and stressing the need for collaborative efforts to tackle emerging challenges such as pest management and food safety.
A highlight of the conference was the keynote address delivered by Shri R.V. Karnan, IAS, Commissioner of Food Safety for Telangana. Shri Karnan emphasized the importance of food safety standards and regulatory compliance, calling for a unified approach to meet global food safety requirements. His address reinforced the theme of the conference: that sustainable and innovative pest management practices are vital for the long-term success of the wheat milling industry.
The conference featured technical sessions that covered a range of critical topics. Mr. Munishwar Vasudeva, Managing Director of Lotus Harvestec, presented a session on the evolution of grain storage, highlighting how modern automated systems are improving pest control and storage efficiency. Dr. GSS Prakash and Mr. Bhupendra Patil of Sandhya Group followed with insights on “Good Fumigation Practices,” while Dr. Anna-Maria Nunez Vega, CTO of Grain Technik Pvt. Ltd., explored “Sustainable Practices in Silo Storage,” emphasizing the importance of eco-friendly technologies.
As sustainability emerged as a key theme, Mr. Praveen Gupta, Vice President of GrainPro India, introduced innovative drying and storage methods aimed at reducing energy consumption while preserving grain quality. His presentation was seen as vital to the industry’s efforts to minimize waste and reduce the environmental impact of grain handling. In the afternoon, Mr. Anil Bhat of Integro Engineers Pvt. Ltd. led a session on “Heat Treatment for Flour Mills,” demonstrating how heat treatment can replace harmful chemicals in pest control. Mr. Ujjwal Kumar, Global Project Manager at E&G Pathway, provided a comprehensive overview of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, highlighting the role of automation and data analytics in modern pest control methods.
The conference concluded with a session by pest management consultant Mr. Siddharth Sarangpani, who discussed the importance of food safety audits in ensuring the effectiveness of pest control practices and maintaining compliance with industry standards. Shri Karnan’s address reiterated the importance of continued collaboration and innovation within the industry. The conference concluded with a networking lunch, giving participants an opportunity to forge new partnerships and further discuss the future of the milling industry. WPPS remains committed to driving growth, innovation, and sustainability in the wheat milling sector, which continues to play a pivotal role in global food security.
