MOC&I aims to double exports from UT
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 9: In a major development, the International Buyer-Seller Meet (IBSM) was held today here, marking a significant step towards increasing exports from J&K and showcasing the agricultural and horticultural potential of the region to buyers from across the country and beyond.
The event, organized by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in collaboration with Agriculture Production & Farmer Welfare, aimed to realize Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Vocal for Local’ and promote ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India).
The focus, officials said, was on boosting the export of agricultural and horticultural products from J&K and Ladakh, with APEDA working under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to facilitate the export of these products.
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Rajesh Agrawal, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce & Industries (MOC&I) and Chairman of APEDA, expressed the significance of the event, stating that it is the first of its kind in J&K, underlining that more such events will be held in the future to further boost exports from the region.
He emphasized the need to expose sellers from J&K to external markets and increase exports, which currently stand at 32 million dollars. “Keeping in view the presence of buyers from various countries, the event is the first of its kind here; the motive is to expose the sellers from J&K to the outside market and with time increase the exports which presently stand at 32 million dollars,” he said.
The IBSM witnessed the participation of 14 importers from countries including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bangladesh, Kuwait, Indonesia, and Singapore. Additionally, 22 exporters from different states also took part in the meeting.
During the event, the buyers had the opportunity to interact with over 30 producers showcasing a wide range of agricultural products, including apples, apricots, cherries, honey, snow peas, gucchi mushrooms, and aromatic rice.
The event also showcased the involvement of 30 Farmers’ Producer Organizations (FPOs) from Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, as well as 16 exhibitors representing state Government departments, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Small Farmers’ Agribusiness Consortium, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, and APEDA-registered FPOs. The exhibition presented a diverse range of agricultural products.
Prominent exporters expressed their satisfaction with the event, citing its effectiveness in promoting their products and increasing exports.
Muhammad Maqbool, an exporter of Nadru, a local vegetable, expressed joy and happiness, noting that customers from different countries have started reaching out to him. He described the IBSM as an opportunity to showcase products, promote exports, and facilitate wholesale and retail sales.
The event was inaugurated by Rajesh Agrawal, with the presence of Shabnam Kamili, Secretary of Agriculture Production & Farmer Welfare, the Government of J&K, Arun Agrawal, Country Head-Institutional & Government Banking at Yes Bank Ltd, Dr. Sudhanshu, Secretary of APEDA, and several other officials.
Amit Dhanuka, representing Kejriwal Bee Care Pvt Limited, highlighted their collaboration with the Government of J&K to increase honey production and exports.
Dhanuka stated that Kashmir’s honey holds great potential, and they are working to enhance productivity and quality to tap into the US and UAE markets. “Currently, the production is limited to 2000 tonnes, but we can increase it to 5000 tonnes, with an export potential of nearly 3000 tonnes.”
During the event, the APEDA Chairman released the APEDA-YES BANK Knowledge Report on ‘Export Potential of Agri Products in J&K & Ladakh.’
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