The fertile plains of Purvanchal, cradled in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, are brimming with the potential to blossom into a vibrant hub of agricultural exports. This exciting prospect is no longer a distant dream, but a tangible reality being nurtured by a collaborative effort between the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the Government of India. The recent “Agri-Export: Capacity Building cum Buyer-Seller Meet” held in Mirzapur, drawing a remarkable crowd of over 1,500 farmers, marked a significant milestone on this ambitious journey.
Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Smt. Anupriya Patel graced the event as the Chief Guest, her presence underlining the government’s unwavering commitment to empowering farmers and transforming the agricultural landscape. She emphasized the crucial role of agricultural exports in not only bolstering the nation’s foreign exchange reserves but also significantly elevating farmer incomes. This resonated deeply with the audience, as the Minister shed light on various government schemes designed to equip farmers with the necessary resources and knowledge to thrive in the global marketplace. The Department of Commerce’s dedication to facilitating their seamless entry into international markets was further reiterated, infusing the gathering with a sense of optimism and opportunity.
APEDA Chairman, Shri Abhishek Dev, echoed the Minister’s sentiments, outlining the government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing export opportunities for both FPOs and individual farmers. He delved into APEDA’s multi-pronged approach, which encompasses providing crucial training programs, forging market linkages, and most importantly, developing robust export infrastructure. The upcoming “Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Niryat Suvidha Kendra” in Chunar, Mirzapur, stands as a testament to this commitment. This state-of-the-art facility envisioned as a comprehensive single-window system, will cater to the diverse needs of exporters, FPOs, and farmers alike. From modern packhouses with advanced amenities to dedicated training facilities, the Kendra promises to empower stakeholders across the agri-export value chain.
APEDA’s interventions have already translated into tangible results, transforming Purvanchal’s export landscape. The establishment of cold rooms at Varanasi Airport, along with the introduction of quarantine and customs clearance services, has significantly streamlined the export process for perishable goods. The crucial activation of the airport for agri-air cargo has further bolstered connectivity, opening up new avenues for farmers to reach international markets. These strategic measures have yielded impressive outcomes, with the Varanasi Airport witnessing a commendable 141 MT increase in perishable cargo handling by December 23, 2023, compared to the previous year.
Recognizing the importance of direct market access, APEDA played a pivotal role in facilitating the participation of leading buyers from across India in the Mirzapur event. The meticulously organized Buyer Seller Meets provided a valuable platform for FPOs and farmers to directly connect with potential international buyers, fostering mutually beneficial partnerships and membuka new doors to global markets. These strategic connections have empowered both FPOs and exporters, propelling Uttar Pradesh to the prestigious position of the third-largest exporting state in the financial year 2023-24.
The region’s export potential extends far beyond a few select products. Farmers are now exporting a diverse range of agricultural products, including fresh fruits and vegetables like green chillies, mangoes, tomatoes, and okra, along with spices like ginger and fresh marigold. This remarkable diversity showcases Purvanchal’s ability to cater to the varied demands of the international market, further strengthening its position as a potential agri-export powerhouse.
With continued support from APEDA and the government’s unwavering commitment, Purvanchal is poised to emerge as a major agri-export hub. This transformation holds immense potential to empower farmers, generate valuable foreign exchange, and contribute significantly to the nation’s economic growth. The upcoming infrastructure projects and capacity-building initiatives promise to unlock the region’s full potential in the global agricultural market, paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous future for both farmers and the nation as a whole. As the collaborative efforts of APEDA and the government continue to blossom, Purvanchal is on the cusp of an exciting agri-export revolution, ready to take its rightful place on the global stage.
