Agri-horti exports from Assam up by 85 percent since 2019

Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI: The exports of agri-horticultural products from Assam have been on the rise, and the rise is 85 percent since 2019. Going by this rising trend, the estimate says that the exports of such products will be of around Rs 10,000 crore in the next three years.

The rise in exports of such products is such that the state is expected to export agri-horticultural products worth around Rs 6,000 crore in the current financial year, compared to Rs 4,000 crore in the financial year 2023-24.

As many as five lakh mandarin oranges were exported to Bangladesh from Sribhumi through the riverine route yesterday. Commenting on that, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, "We're aiming to diversify Assam's export basket. As we continue to explore new markets for Assam's fruits and vegetables, the agri-horticultural exports from the state have risen by 85 percent since 2019."

Agriculture Minister Atul Bora said, "This is a proud moment for Assam and a big boost to the state's farming community. With the state government's progressive agricultural policy, the farmers are now scaling new heights."

APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Exports Development Authority) continues to extend its support to the producers for making this achievement in the field of exports of agro-horti products from the Northeast possible.

The APEDA aims to create a platform in Assam where exporters can directly acquire products from producer groups and processors. This platform links producers and processors with exporters from different regions of the country, expanding the export market in the northeastern states, including Assam.

According to official sources, horticultural crops occupy about 15 percent of the gross crop area of the state with an annual production of more than 67 lakh metric tonnes of various horticultural products. The state has now emphasised the commercialisation of the sector as a priority basis. The emphasis of the state is now on raising the productivity of various commercially potential crops through the use of better technology, management, and providing planting materials to the farmers.

The state exports mainly aromatic joha rice, black rice, red rice, litchi, leteku, flat beans, pumpkins, pineapples, star fruits, Kaji lemons, etc., to Dubai, the UK, the USA, Bhutan, Bangladesh, etc., besides tea.

Also Read: Agriculture Minister Atul Bora distributed Agri-Horti Vans in Guwahati

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