Guwahati: Assam government is working to strategically boost the organic and natural products market. With the goal of maximizing the export potential of organic agricultural products from Assam and neighboring states, the Agricultural Department of Assam, in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), hosted a conference on the Export Potential of Natural, Organic, and Geographical Indications (GI) certified agro-products here today.

The conference's main goal was to promote the export of natural, organic, and GI agro-products grown in Assam and neighbouring states by establishing international market links.

Farmers, traders, and exporters attended the meeting, which focused on agricultural products from Assam and other North East Regions (NER).

The conference was inaugurated by Atul Bora, Minister of Agriculture for the State of Assam, who also served as the event's Chief Guest. Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Assam's Additional Chief Secretary-cum-Agriculture Production Commissioner, APEDA Director, and APEDA Chairman were also present.

In his inaugural address, Assam Agriculture Minister Atul Bora lauded APEDA's efforts and initiatives to promote the export of natural and organic agricultural products from Assam and other states in the North East Region.

"This conference is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to promote Indian heritage, particularly natural farming, around the world." "The cultivation of natural, organic, and GI agro-products would reduce input costs while increasing farmers' income," Bora explained.

Dr. M. Angamuthu, Chairman of APEDA, stated on the occasion that the conference will provide an opportunity for Assam producers and processors to showcase their products and promote exports as well as wholesale and retail sales.

"North-East states, including Assam, have fulfilled the vision of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to promote GI products and natural products with very unique characteristics." This workshop will serve as a model for promoting organic products, according to Angamuthu.

"We want to build a platform where exporters can get products directly from the producer group and processors." This event will connect Assam's producers and processors with exporters from other parts of the country," APEDA Chairman said, adding that it will help to expand the base of export pockets in the North-Eastern states, including Assam, and increase employment opportunities for the people of the state.

Farmers, FPOs, entrepreneurs, and government officials were advised at the workshop to meet all of the basic requirements, including quality parameters, nutritional values, lab testing, and health parameters.

The APEDA also intends to assist Agriculture Ministry officials with capacity building. The identified officials would be dispatched in batches to Bangalore, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and other locations.

Notably, in his 'Mann ki Baat,' the Hon'ble PM also mentioned the export of GI products from North-Eastern states.

The event drew more than 20 exporters and 70 farmer producer organisations or farmer producer companies. Eighteen stalls showcased natural, organic, and GI products.

India produced approximately 3.5 million MT of certified organic products (2020-21), which included all types of food products such as oil seeds, sugar cane, cereals and millets, cotton, pulses, medicinal plants, tea, fruits, spices, dry fruits, vegetables, coffee, and so on.

In FY22, India's total agricultural exports surpassed USD 50 billion. In FY21, India exported approximately 0.88 million MT of organic food products worth USD 1040 million to 70 countries worldwide. Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala, and Haryana dominated India's organic exports, accounting for 71% of total organic exports in 2020-21.

The North East Region has enormous untapped organic potential and opportunities because all eight states are endowed with rich natural resources and suitable agro climate to produce a diverse range of crops, including spices such as ginger, turmeric, large cardamom, chilli, pepper, and so on, as well as a wide range of fruits and vegetables and unique varieties of medicinal and aromatic plants and floriculture.

In India, there are 417 registered GI products, with approximately 150 GI-tagged agricultural and food products. There are 100 registered GI products in the APEDA scheduled products category.

APEDA engages in a variety of activities to promote organic product exports, such as adding new products to the NPOP, working to have NPOP standards recognised by importing countries, promoting the 'India Organic' brand through participation in international trade fairs and exhibitions, organising Buyer-Seller Meets (BSMs), organising capacity building and outreach programmes, and so on.

APEDA, through its Agricultural Export Policy, encourages states to capitalise on the potential of agricultural exports. APEDA intends to establish a platform for buyers to obtain products directly from the producer group and processors.

APEDA provides a platform for exporters to sell their food products on a global scale. APEDA also organises national events to promote Agri-exports, such as AAHAR, Organic World Congress, Bio Fach India, and others.

Another important initiative is the development and implementation of traceability systems to ensure importing countries' food safety and quality compliance.

APEDA compiles and disseminates various international trade analytical information, market access information, and trade enquiries among stakeholders in order to increase exports.