NewKerala.com

Key Points

The Indian government is developing an innovative strategy to boost agricultural and processed food exports. Key stakeholders from multiple states and industries gathered to discuss potential growth opportunities. Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal emphasized the critical role of research and development in driving export innovation. The initiative aims to reduce logistical barriers and enhance market access for Indian agricultural products.

Key Points: Centre's Export Boost Plan for Agri and Processed Foods

  • Centre plans comprehensive strategy to expand agricultural exports
  • 14 states participate in high-level export dialogue
  • Focus on infrastructure and international market access
2 min read

Centre drawing up new plan to push exports of farm goods & processed foods

Government unveils strategic roadmap to enhance agricultural exports, reduce barriers, and drive innovation in food processing sector

"Academia and research institutions must be a part of multisectoral consultations - Sunil Barthwal, Commerce Secretary"

New Delhi, May 4

The government is committed to reducing logistical barriers and enhancing market access for Indian agri and processed food products, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said at a high-level Chintan Shivir, organised by the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Authority (APEDA) here on Sunday.

In his address, Barthwal pointed out that "Academia and research institutions must be a part of multisectoral consultations so that research and development can be a major focus for innovation and sustainability in agri exports".

He emphasised that agricultural production and productivity are both the need of the hour and reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to further deliberate on the ideas and strategies discussed during the sessions.

The consultative dialogue brought together senior officials from the Union government, Central Ministries, representatives from state governments, policy experts, industry leaders from agri trade and processed foods sector to deliberate on strategies for enhancing exports.

In his opening remarks, Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) Secretary, Subrata Gupta, highlighted the importance of infrastructure development and value addition to ensure sustainable export growth. He emphasised that there is a need to develop infrastructure, sanitary and phytosanitary standards at par with international norms, tariff plans and more synergy between the Union government, state governments, various departments, and industry stakeholders. He identified key potential products and sectors for processed foods exports like alcoholic beverages, nutraceuticals and value-added products.

This Chintan Shivir was also attended by Special Secretary, Department of Commerce Rajesh Agrawal, Additional Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Varsha Joshi, and other senior officers of the Union and state governments, policymakers and industry leaders.

Agrawal emphasised the need to have a more synergetic approach amongst various stakeholders to take new agricultural, processed food, and value-added products to new geographies.

A total of 14 states, namely Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, participated in the high-level meeting.

Industry leaders of the agri and processed food sectors were represented by LT Foods, KRBL, Amul, Organic India, ITC, Meatzza, Suguna Foods, Kaybee, TPCI, Organic India, Allanasons, Fair Exports, and HMA Exports, amongst others, participated in the dialogue.

The Shivir was divided into five parallel technical breakout sessions focusing on specific agri-trade commodities and the processed food sector, which included basmati and non-basmati rice, animal products, horticulture and processed foods, as well as organic products.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is a much-needed initiative! Our farmers deserve better market access and fair prices. Hope the government ensures small farmers benefit too, not just big corporations. The focus on R&D is excellent - we need more innovation in agriculture. 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
Good move but implementation is key. Last time similar promises were made, ground reality didn't change much for our farmers. Hope they include women farmer groups in these discussions - we contribute significantly to agriculture but often get ignored in policy making.
A
Arjun S.
Focus on processed foods is smart! We export too much raw material and import finished goods. Value addition will create jobs and better returns. But please don't forget food safety standards - many countries reject our shipments due to quality issues. 🚜
N
Neha T.
Why only 14 states? What about North East? We have unique organic products like black rice and king chili that have huge export potential. Hope they expand this initiative to include all regions. #InclusiveGrowth
S
Sanjay V.
While exports are important, let's not forget domestic food security. In the race to earn dollars, we shouldn't create shortages at home. Need balanced policies that help both farmers and consumers.
K
Kavita R.
Happy to see Amul and other trusted brands involved. Our dairy products can compete globally if given proper support. But government must ensure strict quality checks - one bad shipment can damage India's reputation for years. 🐄
V
Vikram J.
The mention of alcoholic beverages is interesting.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50