New Delhi, Nov 14 : President Pratibha Patil today inaugurated the 27th edition of the India International Trade Fair (IITF) here at Pragati Maidan on Wednesday amidst fanfare and cultural fiesta.

Speaking about this year's fair theme "Processed Food and Agro-Industries", Patil said, "The theme is of special relevance globally too, as we are grappling with the formidable task of eradicating hunger and poverty from our planet. "

Over 40 countries are participating in the fair, showcasing their products over a broad canvas.

The President highlighted the role of women in the preservation of soil and forests, and stressed on the "need to catalyse agricultural growth through holistic agricultural development strategies that should include women. "

"The agriculture scenario in the country is gradually looking up. Our agricultural exports increased last year by around 20 percent over the previous year and its contribution to the overall exports of the country is now around 7 percent, " she added.

She also said that in spite India being the largest food producers in the world, only 2 percent of the total food production is processed here, which is a negligible amount.

"Processing of agricultural goods significantly adds value to agricultural produce and we look at it as strong emerging sectors in India, " she added.

President Patil called for a socially inclusive growth of the economy, particularly for the disadvantaged and marginalized sections of the society.

"We must also ensure that every region participates in and benefits from the process of economic growth that is transforming our nation, " she said.

The fair, organised by the Indian Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), provides a platform for trade promotion and facilitates interaction between close to 7,500 national and international businesspersons and organisations.

The fair is showcasing participation of several countries of Asia, Africa, Europe and South America.

Apart from countries like Afghanistan, Belarus, Bhutan, Brazil, China, Egypt, Iran, Korea, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Poland, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Vietnam and Maldives, who are showcasing their products here, countries like Kuwait, Myanmar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Surinam, Taiwan, Turkey and Syria are also represented by their exhibitors.

Indian State pavilions, like every year, are participating this year too in a big way.

In 2006, the fair attracted more than 7,500 Indian companies and 350 overseas companies from 34 countries. Over 3,00,000 business visitors and three million general visitors visited the fourteen-day event last year.

The 2007 edition is expected to have more participation and greater response.

Ever since its inception in 1980, this mega-event has evolved into Asia's largest show of its kind. (ANI)