VIA Agro & Rural Development Forum and Indo Israel Krishi Vikas Sanstha organised a Session cum discussion on ‘Opportunities in exporting agri products’ at VIA Auditorium Nagpur recently. Dr Govind Hande, Ex-Technical Officer Agriculture Department, Pune, said, “Earlier India was doing trade with only 11 or 12 countries but after inception of WTO, we can trade with more than 190 countries.
Every country is very cautious about quality of goods being supplied to them.” India is second largest exporter of rice in the world. Agriculture producers should explore these opportunity for better returns. Government is promoting the policy of doubling the income of farmers in which cluster based ventures are being encouraged. “Farmers should adopt systematic approach in cultivation and marketing of local crops. There are huge opportunities in export of fruits and vegetables, as of now we are exporting around 8 per cent of total demand,” he said.
He said, “We are importing various commodities which are being cultivated in our country. We should plan to grow standard commodities in large quantity. Our domestic market is also very large which can be catered. Branding of such standardised products should be done. Almost all major districts have land, rail and air connectivity. Now Samruddhi Mahamarg is coming in our State which will strengthen the transit of goods to major cities and ports.
These amenities will be highly beneficial for agri businesses.” Maharashtra has 26 GI tags and number 1 in the country. Every country has their quarantine standards. It is also applicable on products and countries have right to reject that imported material if it is infected with some disease. Residue free produces are demanded by customers in domestic & international market. Dr Sunil Mankikar, Chairman of Indo-Israel Vikas Sanstha established in 2009, has many tie ups from agriculture sector in the interest of Indian farmers. In last 10 years, it has provided knowledge to people about agriculture.
The main subjects were processing, dehydration of fruits and vegetables, agri tourism, labourless farming, orange processing and wine etc. He said, “We are working to extend the Israel agriculture technology to Indian farmers.” He further said his Sanstha’s aim is to passed on the benefits to the people of the society in every respect. Rajesh Desurkar, Branch Manager of ECGC, Nagpur gave presentation on ‘Future of agriculture export for Vidarbha.’ He elaborated functions, advantages of ECGC, why insurance is required. He also cleared the doubts of participants about general trade concepts, general export documents required for exporting any products, risk management, etc. Earlier, Suresh Rathi, President of VIA, in his welcome address said, “VIA is working tirelessly for the development and growth of Vidarbha. India is an agriculture dominated country. In our 11 districts, at present majority of agriculture produces being sold in domestic market, but there are numerous opportunities available in international markets too.
We should develop a cluster for value addition of agriculture produce and exports them.” Om Jajodia, Chairman of Agro and Rural Development said that there are huge opportunities in agriculture and it is also a solution to control pollution through organic farming. Pragati Gokhale, former Deputy Director of MGIRI and Founder and mentor for the programme ‘Mera Mobile Mera Marketing’ said, “It is disruptive bottom up approach for rural marketing in India through which we are enabling rural entrepreneurs/artisans/self help groups/farmers to do their free digital marketing using their own mobiles.” She suggested to use technology for productive activity.
“Marketing is very essential for any type of business. Digital marketing is very effective and economic medium to reach market places.” Shachi Mallick, Convenor of VIA Agro and Rural Development Forum welcomed all dignitaries and participants to understand the eco-system and opportunities in exports of agriculture products from Vidarbha. Prof Ashit Sinha, former Vice-President of VIA informed about advantages of organic farming and also proposed the vote of thanks. Large numbers of members, farmers, entrepreneurs and exporters participated in the event.
Source ( The Hitavada)