To boost marketing of diversified crops, Haryana has drafted an export promotion policy endorsing these products in the international market.
Renowned for its Basmati exports so far, the state is planning to promote the export of fruits and vegetables as well. The export promotion policy of the Haryana State Agriculture Marketing Board (HSAMB) aims at giving a major impetus to export of various agricultural and horticultural commodities over the next three years.
According to a senior official of HSAMB, various activities will be undertaken to revive the export potential of horticultural products. “The board feels there is a dire need to develop the post harvest management facilities for grading/sorting, cooling, packing and transportation that will help in upgrading quality, reducing perishability and increasing the shelf life of these products.
However awareness among farmers, of GMP and Eurogap and maintenance of traceability record will be a major thrust area. We’ll also focus on creating groups of farmers in clusters, so that they can develop expertise, supplement each other and build bargaining strength. For this purpose, initial assistance along with one-time working capital of Rs one lakh will be given to farmers through the Farmers’ Marketing Assistance Scheme,” he said.
HSAMB will also provide initial financial support to farmers for adopting good practices and improving the quality of the produce. Export targets will be strategised according to the potential of various horticultural commodities.
The official further added, “The crops with maximum potential will be identified through a comparative study done by experts from department of agriculture and horticulture. Efforts will be made to promote products in identified clusters so that the area/product is able to benefit from long-term branding.”
To train farmers, the board plans to organise training programs in collaboration with APEDA, PUSA and HAU. “A state-level council will be formed for promotion of exports & dissemination of information and related activities. The council will also be given assistance to the tune of Rs 20 lakh. It will further make trial exports and we have earmarked a sum of about Rs 50 lakh for this purpose in the budget of 2007-08,” the official added.