To harness the export potential of agricultural and processed food products from Eastern Uttar Pradesh, also known as Purvanchal, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) organized the ‘Agri-Export: Capacity Building cum Buyer-Seller Meet’ in Mirzapur . The event was attended by the Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Smt. Anupriya Patel, who served as the Chief Guest, along with other dignitaries, including Sh. Ram Shakal, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), senior Government officials, representatives from exporter associations, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), stakeholders, and public representatives from the area. The event received an enthusiastic response from farmers, with over 1500+ attendees.
During her keynote address, Smt. Anupriya Patel emphasized the importance of increasing agricultural exports, noting their potential not only in contributing to the nation’s foreign exchange but also in significantly boosting farmers’ incomes, given the sector’s status as the largest employer. She reaffirmed the Government of India’s commitment to enhancing farmers’ income and well-being, citing various government schemes. She also highlighted the Department of Commerce’s dedication to facilitating farmers’ access to global markets, emphasizing infrastructure development in various agricultural sectors like horticulture, spices, and marine products. Patel spotlighted the upcoming ‘Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Niryat Suvidha Kendra’ in Chunar, Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, as a significant project that will elevate agricultural exports from the region and position Poorvanchal as an agricultural export hub.
APEDA Chairman, Shri Abhishek Dev, reiterated the government’s commitment to boosting export opportunities for FPOs and farmers through market linkages and enhanced export infrastructure. He announced APEDA’s dedication to organizing similar events in the future to benefit all stakeholders. The ‘Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Niryat Suvidha Kendra’ represents a milestone in advancing agricultural and allied sector exports, serving as a comprehensive single-window system for FPOs, farmers, exporters, and other stakeholders. The project, covering 5 acres in the Chunar sub-division of Mirzapur district, includes a modern packhouse, training facility, and offices for major export-oriented government bodies.
Thanks to APEDA’s intervention, the Purvanchal region now boasts essential export facilities, including cold rooms at Varanasi Airport, quarantine and custom clearance services, and activated airport services for agri air cargo. These advancements, absent in 2019, are reflected in Varanasi Airport’s handling of 702 MT of perishable cargo until December 23, surpassing last year’s figure. APEDA also played a role in inviting leading buyers from across India, facilitating Buyer Seller Meets with FPOs and farmers to directly connect them with international markets.
It’s noteworthy that APEDA’s initiatives have propelled Uttar Pradesh to become the third-largest exporting state in the financial year 2023-24 (April 23 to Nov 23), trailing only Gujarat and Maharashtra. APEDA’s successful tapping of the Gangetic belt’s potential has empowered FPOs and exporters, with around 50 FPOs promoted as exporters for agri exports, and over 20 actively engaged in both direct and deemed exports. The region’s diverse agricultural products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, have been exported, showcasing its capacity to meet global demand.
