The Union Government is crafting a new strategy to enhance global exports of agro-processed fruits, opening fresh avenues for Himachal Pradesh's organic and horticultural produce in international markets. This was announced by Monica Gaur, Director of the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, during a stakeholder engagement workshop held at Fagu near Shimla on Saturday.
Workshop on Export Promotion
The event was organized by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC). The workshop revolved around the theme, "Export of agricultural processed food and beverage products from Himachal Pradesh."
Addressing the participants, Gaur emphasized the vast export potential of Himachal's agricultural and horticultural products. She stressed the need to strengthen market linkages, value addition, and export-oriented infrastructure in the state. According to her, the Centre's new export strategy for agro-processed fruits will enable Himachal's organic produce to access international markets, thereby creating better income opportunities for growers.
Keynote Address and Government Support
Delivering the keynote address, Nitin Yadav, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, underscored the importance of connecting Himachal's horticulture sector with global markets. He highlighted the effective utilization of various Central Government schemes designed to promote exports of high-value fresh and processed horticultural products.
HPMC Managing Director DC Rana noted that integrating farmers with processing and export value chains could significantly enhance farm incomes while generating entrepreneurship opportunities in rural areas.
Discussions on Export Potential
The workshop featured detailed discussions on the export potential of Himachal's horticultural produce, particularly stone fruits such as plums, peaches, apricots, and cherries, along with value-added products derived from them. Participants explored ways to establish stronger connections with international buyers, importers, and overseas markets.
Challenges and Opportunities
Stakeholders also deliberated on opportunities in food processing, packaging, branding, marketing, and export promotion. Challenges related to market access, logistics, quality standards, product aggregation, post-harvest management, cold-chain infrastructure, and export facilitation were also discussed.
Senior officials from the Union and state governments, HPMC, industry representatives, exporters, entrepreneurs, processing units, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and other stakeholders attended the workshop.
