The Hindu Business Line : Panel reviewing working of agri export zones

A COMMITTEE, comprising the representatives of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), EXIM Bank and the Ministry of Food Processing, is currently reviewing the functioning of some Agri Export Zones (AEZs) in the country, according the APEDA Chairman, Mr. K. S. Money.

In an informal chat with newspersons here on Saturday, Mr. Money said that the committee would be submitting its report in about two months. Following this, five to six AEZs would be selected for making them successful before setting up more. So far, 48 AEZs were established in 19 States across the country. Investments to the tune of Rs 475.56 crores have been made in these entities and exports worth Rs 380 crores have taken place through them.

On the organic farming front, Mr. Money said that the Union Government was expected to notify the setting up of a National Steering Committee which would be entrusted with the task of certifying organic farming. At present, there were half-a-dozen accreditation agencies, including APEDA, for certifying organic products. Last year, about Rs 89 crores worth of organic products were exported from the country.

Earlier, addressing a national seminar on Agri Export, Mr Money said that APEDA, in association with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, was implementing Eurepgap standards in the farms producing grapes, mangoes, pomegranate and flowers for exports to European markets. About 300 to 350 farms were expected to be certified for Eurepgap Standards for export of table grapes during the current crop season.

The Vice-President of National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Dr. M. V. Rao, said that for ushering in the second Green Revolution in the country, we have to protect and sustain the first green revolution areas, encourage agricultural research - both at the national and State level, accord priority to rainfed agriculture, prevent pre- and post-harvest losses, promote seed production, develop biotechnology and cultivate our wastelands.

Stating that the developed countries were providing $ 400 billion support to their farmers, Senior Vice- President of the Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI), Mr. O. P. Goenka, said that the "future wars are going to be fought at the market place and not in the battle fields".

The FAPCCI President, Mr. S. S. R. Koteswara Rao, welcomed the gathering.