Guwahati: Ministry of Commerce & Industry reported a rise in agricultural exports in NorthEast India. The agricultural exports has reached to $17.2 million in 2021-22 from $2.52 million in 2016-17.

Over the past six years, the northeastern area of India has seen an increase in agricultural product exports of over 85%, according to data released on Friday by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

"Export increased from $2.52 million in 2016–17 to $17.2 million in 2021–22. The Middle East, the UK, Europe, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Bhutan have been the main export markets, it continued.

The export of agricultural products from the northeastern states of Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Meghalaya has increased significantly.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Export Development Authority (APEDA) has been organising field trips for importers to offer them with first-hand knowledge on the high standards of farming procedures used by farmers. Importers from neighbouring countries, the Middle East, far-eastern nations, European countries, Australia, etc. have been invited in order to establish possible market links. All eight of the states in the area participated in the field trips.

"APEDA also intends to carry out a number of other initiatives, such as strengthening the capacities of 80 aspiring exporters and entrepreneurs from the area, as well as the Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) and the state government. The ministry urged authorities to establish skill-building and training in food processing, value addition on horticulture output, etc. APEDA has offered to assist in the branding and promotion of northeastern goods such kiwi wine, processed foods, Joha Rice Pulao, Black Rice Kheer, etc.

APEDA organised skill-development programmes for manufacturers, exporters, and entrepreneurs as part of capacity building to use the local produce for value addition and export.

It stated that five-day training programmes are being undertaken in several Northeastern states in collaboration with the Central Food Technology Research Institute, Mysore (CFTRI) and Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology (IIFPT).

States have been urged by APEDA to maximise the export potential of farm products through its Agricultural Export Policy. It intends to provide a marketplace where purchasers may acquire goods directly from producers and processors.

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