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HYDERABAD, July 29

THE Union Government and the Government of Andhra Pradesh signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Monday for the establishment of an agri-export zone (AEZ) with an investment of Rs 57 crore.

The AEZ is being set up by the State Horticulture Department in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) at Hyderabad for boosting exports of grapes and mangoes.

The project to be jointly funded by the Central and the State Governments, envisages export of 6,000 tonnes of mangoes and 5,500 tonnes of grapes in the next five years. The targeted markets are Europe, West Asia and South East Asia. The AEZ will cater to the needs of Rangareddy, Medak and Mahboobnagar districts which are suited for export-oriented production of grapes and mangoes.

According to an official press release, the benefits of the project include increase in productivity and better price realisation for about 3,000 farmers in the zone, introduction of latest technology, employment generation for workers involved in pre-harvest and post harvest activities and earning valuable foreign exchange for the country.

Under the project, modern nurseries would be established and 100 per cent drip irrigation facilities would be provided to horticulture farmers. Research and development activities would also be undertaken for improving the shelf life of mangoes and tackling root stock problems of grapes.

Besides, farmers would be given extensive training in post harvest management techniques and adoption of integrated pest management practices.

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