HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Feb 5: In a significant move to enhance agricultural and processed food exports from Assam and the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in collaboration with the Government of Assam hosted an International Conclave cum Buyer-Seller Meet (BSM) in Guwahati recently.
The event brought together key stakeholders, policymakers, exporters, international buyers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) to explore new opportunities and strengthen the region’s agri-export ecosystem.
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The International Conclave cum Buyer Seller Meet (IBSM) was graced by industries, commerce & PE department minister Bimal Bora, agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry & veterinary minister Atul Bora and senior government officers among others.
Bora emphasised, “To realise the vision of Hon’ble PM Modi and Hon’ble chief minister of Assam, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma to make Assam the growth engine of the North Eastern Region and one of the top 5 states in the nation, several amendments have been made to the Industrial policy of the region.”
He highlighted Assam’s rich agro-climatic potential and its growing importance in India’s agricultural export strategy. He said, ”Assam aims to be the Hub of High Quality Agri Exports benefitting farmers and the people of Assam.”
Joining the stakeholders virtually Atul Bora said that, ”There are several potential agricultural products from Assam like Litchi, Orange, Ginger, Pineapple and Natural Honey as well as mentioned that Pineapple, Mandarins and Bananas are in high demand from Assam in global markets.” He mentioned, ”The IBSMs and BSMs facilitated by APEDA have been a gamechanger for FPOs and FPCs of Assam.”
The Commissioner & Secretary to the Govt. of Assam, Agriculture Department and Agriculture Production Commissioner (APC), Govt. of Assam, Smt. Aruna Rajoria stated, ”Due to the global demand of sustainable consumption, NPOP certification facility will be made available in the state of Assam itself from the upcoming financial year so FPOs/ FPCs do not have to spend time and money in travelling to get certified. The Agriculture University of Assam will host the processes of certification.” She added, ”Custom Clearance Facility has been established at Guwahati Airport which will further aid in enhancing the Agri Exports from the region.” She said, ”Value Added Products like Tea Wine, Pineapple Wine and Rice Beer as well as Pulp based products such as Pumpkin Pulp and Pineapple Pulp may be explored from Assam for production and export. Since export ban on non-basmati white rice has been removed, sticky rice, black rice, purple rice and Joha rice variety indigenous to the region can be a potential product for exports from Assam.”
The commissioner & secretary to the govt of Assam, Virendra Mittal said, ”Assam has emerged as the largest Agri Exporter from the North Eastern region with fruits, vegetables and spices as the leading products.” He remarked that, ”Northeast region of India has seen over 85% increase in agricultural product exports over the past six years, with significant growth in exports to neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan and markets in the Middle East, Europe and the UK.”
Chairman of APEDA, Abhishek Dev gave the inaugural message virtually. He highlighted, ”Assam has significant potential in the exports of agricultural products such as Assam Lemon, Pineapples, Ginger, Red rice, Assam tea and also a lot of Organic products.” He further stated that, ”To overcome logistic constraints and the cost for internal transportation from production area to central hub location, APEDA and CONCOR have jointly come up with a potential solution of transportation through Ice Battery Trucks. Through the Ice Battery Truck, one will be able to transport the produce to the ICD in Dadri and from there, it will go to the final port of exit in Mumbai. It has been determined that this method will ensure that the product stays fresh throughout the way and reduce the cost of transportation and logistics. We hope that this small step can be a game changer for the region.”
