The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh): The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) organized a pivotal event titled ‘Agri-Export: Capacity Building cum Buyer-Seller Meet’ in Mirzapur, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, to enhance the region’s agricultural and processed food product exports. The Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Smt. Anupriya Patel, graced the event as the Chief Guest, accompanied by notable dignitaries like Sh. Ram Shakal, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), along with senior government officials and stakeholders. The event witnessed overwhelming participation from over 1500 farmers.
In her keynote address, Smt. Anupriya Patel emphasized the crucial role of agricultural exports in augmenting national foreign exchange and elevating farmer incomes. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing farmers’ welfare and facilitating their access to global markets. The upcoming ‘Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Niryat Suvidha Kendra’ in Chunar, Mirzapur, was highlighted as a significant project set to boost agricultural exports from the Purvanchal region.
APEDA’s Chairman, Shri Abhishek Dev, expressed the government’s dedication to expanding export opportunities for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and farmers. He stated that APEDA, celebrating its 38th Foundation Day, remains committed to enhancing the incomes of stakeholders in the agri-export value chain, particularly farmers, through training and exposure to market opportunities.
The ‘Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Niryat Suvidha Kendra’ represents a major advancement in the export infrastructure. This comprehensive facility will provide a range of services to FPOs, farmers, exporters, and stakeholders, including a modern packhouse, training facilities, and offices of various export-oriented government bodies.
APEDA’s interventions have significantly upgraded the region’s export facilities, including cold rooms, quarantine and customs clearance services, and agri air cargo capabilities at Varanasi Airport. These advancements have led Uttar Pradesh to become the third-largest exporting state in the financial year 2023-24.
The initiatives have empowered approximately 50 FPOs to become exporters, with over 20 actively involved in direct and deemed exports. The region’s capacity to meet global demand is evident in the diverse range of agricultural products exported, including fresh fruits, vegetables, and rice.
APEDA’s ‘Agri-Export: Capacity Building cum Buyer-Seller Meet’ marks a substantial stride in unlocking the agricultural export potential of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, promising to transform the region into a significant agri-export hub of the nation.