December 20, 2019
The vegetables were sourced from three FPOs in Varanasi and Ghazipur by the Vegetables and fruits exporters association (VAFA)
Varanasi reports strong agricultural production from five regions. namely Jaunpur, Ghazipur, Sant Ravidas Nagar, Mirzapur, and Chandauli
A preliminary agreement has been signed between the VAFA Mumbai and four FPOs to further the scope of agricultural exports
An APEDA office in Varanasi, as well as a Committee under the leadership of the Commissioner of the Varanasi Division, will aid the export
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) on December 20 facilitated the export of 14 tonnes of vegetables from Varanasi to Dubai. The vegetables exported were sourced from three FPOs in Varanasi and Ghazipur by a Vegetables and fruits exporters association (VAFA) supported export house in Mumbai. The move is part of APEDA’s endeavor to increase the export of produce from agriculturally strong regions of India. Varanasi enjoys sound agricultural output from five regions namely Jaunpur, Ghazipur, Sant Ravidas Nagar, Mirzapur and Chandauli that are to receive agri-export hubs under the APEDA aegis.
The establishment of an APEDA office in Varanasi will aid export activities. Furthermore, a Committee under the leadership of the Commissioner of the Varanasi Division will strengthen the supply chain, backward linkage and accelerate the development of local infrastructure for export. In the larger context of agriculture exports, VAFA Mumbai and four FPO’s have formally signed a preliminary agreement for the sourcing of quality vegetables.
Agricultural products made up 11.76 per cent of India’s total exports in 2018-19. To enhance the volume and quality and volume of agricultural exports, the Government of India has introduced an Agriculture Export Policy that aims to “Harness the export potential of Indian agriculture, through suitable policy instruments, to make India a global power in agriculture, and raise farmers’ income.”
The policy proposes provisions to increase the export of indigenous crops and diversify the spread of offerings as well as the destinations for export of locally grown produce. The policy also aims to tackle phytosanitary and sanitary issues among other barriers through the setting up of an institutional mechanism. With ambitions to enable farmers to receive benefits from overseas exports through global value chain integration, the Agricultural Policy will seek to bring favourable outcomes for the sector and the nation at large.