Dehradun-The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) marked an important initial milestone in the promotion of organic agricultural exports with the organization of the “International Conclave Cum Buyer Seller Meet for Organic Products” on January 12, 2024, in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
The conclave witnessed active collaboration between APEDA and the Uttarakhand State government to amplify agricultural exports, particularly organic exports from the State. 20 Buyers/importers of food products participated in the event from seven different nations namely Russia, Hong Kong, UAE, Uganda, Lebanon, Belarus, and Spain, reflecting the rising global interest in Uttarakhand’s organic produce.
The event, a part of APEDA’s series of initiatives, attracted around 250 participants, including key stakeholders such as State Government departments, Central Government Agencies, Importers, progressive Exporters of organic produce , and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). Ten stalls showcasing different organic produce like Vegetables, Fruits, millets, honey, tea, Basmati rice, essential oils, medicinal plants, jaggery, sugar etc were set up by various agencies and stakeholders to showcase their initiatives and products.
The inaugural session was presided over by Shri Ganesh Joshi, Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture, Govt of Uttarakhand and attended by Sh. Abhishek Dev, Chairman APEDA, Sh V. K. Suman, Secretary Agriculture, Uttarakhand, Sh. Vinay Kumar, MD Uttarakhand Organic Commodity Board and other Senior officers of the State Government and Central Government agencies.
A highlight of the event was the release of the APEDA-Yes Bank Knowledge Report on “Boosting Organic Agriculture Exports from Uttarakhand.” This comprehensive report, a collaborative effort between APEDA and Yes Bank, provides valuable insights into the organic agriculture landscape in Uttarakhand. Before the release, a brief overview of the report was presented by Mr. Pradeep Srivastava, EVP Food & Agribusiness Strategic Advisory & Research team, YES Bank.
The Honourable Minister of Agriculture, State Government of Uttarakhand, Sh. Ganesh Joshi, in his keynote address outlined the state’s favourable geographical conditions and agricultural climate, positioning Uttarakhand as a potential hub for horticultural crops. He shared the government’s initiatives to transform the state into a major organic state with a goal of achieving 50% organic share in total output by 2025, to convert all Hill districts into completely organic districts, with an overall focus on increasing farmers’ income through various schemes. He lauded the initiative taken by APEDA in organizing the meet and assured full support of the State Government in boosting organic exports from Uttarakhand.
Chairman APEDA, Sh. Abhishek Dev in his address, emphasized importance of the maiden international buyer-seller meet in the State for the organic sector in the State, marking the initiation of several initiatives to foster the growth of organic production and exports from the state. He highlighted the massive opportunity presented by the USD 147 billion global organic food market, he outlined the recent steps taken by APEDA in promoting organic exports and the way forward and near term initiatives to boost organic exports from India and Uttarakhand in particular.
Shri V.K. Suman, Secretary, Agriculture Government of Uttarakhand, in his special address, commended the various initiatives taken by the State government for organic production and promotion in the domestic market.
The conclave saw active participation from the progressive exporters from across India, importers from seven potential nations, and over 100 organic agri producers from the State.
At the conclusion of the conclave, the Honourable Agriculture Minister, Uttarakhand flagged off two consignments of fresh vegetables from Uttarakhand to the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Besides the above events, the Conclave featured three insightful technical sessions, each addressing crucial aspects of the agricultural landscape. These sessions delved into the Role of Uttarakhand Organic Commodity Board in Exporting Organic Products, an Overview of the recent developments in the Packaging of Fresh Fruits & Vegetables by the Indian Institute of Packaging, and finally a briefing session of APEDA’s plan on undertaking MERA Yuva Bharat activities, in the State. These sessions and discussions were strategically organized to tackle the distinctive challenges and opportunities posed by Uttarakhand’s landlocked geography, offering participants valuable insights into enhancing agricultural practices and exports from the region.
Top of Form
APEDA’s efforts to facilitate exports from Uttarakhand received appreciation, marking the first event of its kind in the region to boost exports. Over 15 FPO/FPC have been enrolled as exporters, towards state’s goal of achieving 50 % of organic farming by 2025.Uttarakhand achieved a notable feat by securing the maximum number of Geographical Indication Certificates in a single day, totalling 27 products. The newly awarded GIs include Uttarakhand Chaulai, Jhangora, Manduwa, Red Rice, Almora Lakhori Chilli, Berinag Tea, Burans Sharbat, Ramnagar Nainital Litchi, Ramgarh Peach, Malta, Pahari Tor, Gahat, Kala Bhatt, Bicchubooti fabric, Nainital candle, Kumaoni coloured Pichhoda, Chamoli Ramman mask, and Likhai wood carving.
Nine products from the state, including Tejpat, Basmati rice, Aipan Art, White Rajma of Munsiyari, Ringal Craft, Thulma, Bhotiya Dan, Chiura Oil, and Copper products, have already received GI tags.
APEDA’s continuous efforts to mobilize startups and entrepreneurs from Uttarakhand to national and international events for the promotion of products were acknowledged, indicating a positive trend of increased participation from the region.