Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications
Tuesday, Feb 05, 2002
Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications Tuesday, Feb 05, 2002 |
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Agri-Biz & Commodities
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Foods & Food Processing Government - States Tripura agri-export zone to focus on organic products Jayanta Mallick
KOLKATA, Feb. 4 THE proposed agri-export zone (AEZ) in Tripura for pineapple and its processed products will be the first AEZ to export `organic' fruit/processed fruit products from the country. The organic items, which fetch a handsome premium, have an assured niche market globally. According to the project document, Japan and European nations will be targeted for organic pineapple/processed products. To tap the potential of organic items fully, of the total investment of Rs 16.14 crore, Rs 1 crore will be spent on generic advertisement of organic products for promotion and market development. In addition to this, there will be budgets for participation in international marts and publicity campaigns. The 4,800-tonne canning unit will cost Rs 2.1 crore, while the Rs 6-crore juice plant will produce 5,040 tonnes of concentrates. The Rs 2-crore fruit candy unit will have a capacity to manufacture 75 tonnes a year and the Rs 2.5-crore powder plant will be able to produce 150 tonnes per annum. The project report estimates that exports_beginning from 2003 and stretching over a period of four years_will reach a level of Rs 10 crore. The AEZ in the landlocked north-eastern State will attempt to export through Bangladesh also. The AEZ will go for `organic' certification for plantations as also the processed products. Group certification of organic plantations in the initial command area of 600 hectare in three districts of Tripura_Kumarghat, Melaghar and Matabari_is to cost around Rs 15 lakh. urther, Rs 10 lakh will be spent on consultancy for development of organic plantations and certification. The organic certification for processing units will require Rs 8 lakh. The plants will also have HACCP/ISO9002/GMP certifications. Apart from surveys for the niche product market, the project entails farmers' training in organic practices, integrated pest management and study tours. The AEZ will provide for cold stores, reefer trucks and pack houses and lab facilities. Central Government agencies such as the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Development Authority and the National Horticulture Board, will be investing around Rs 7.6 crore for the project, while over Rs 8 crore will come from private sector partners. The Tripura Government's participation will be to the tune of Rs 1.16 crore.
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