Global demand growing for state's organic produce: Agriculture Minister Atul Bora

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: There has been a gradual increase in the demand in the global market for organic and GI-tagged agro products of Assam as a result of a thrust on export-oriented farming by a new generation of entrepreneurs in the state, said Agriculture Minister Atul Bora on Friday.

Addressing a Conference on Export Potential of natural, Organic and GI Agro Products from India, organized by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Atul Bora mentioned that of late emphasis is being laid on organic farming and as a result the state's produce is receiving a positive response in the global market.

He said that as on date, organic farming is carried out in around 2.7 lakh hectare of cultivable land of the state. Export of GI-tagged items like ginger, orthodox tea, litchi, judima (the local brew of Dima Hasao), Joha rice and Red rice has already started, Bora disclosed. He further informed that the State Government has set up an agency called 'State Seed & Organic Certification Agency' for facilitating procurement of necessary authenticity-related certification for exporting various produce from the State.

The prime objective of today's conference was to promote the export of natural, organic and GI agro products grown in Assam and neighbouring states by creating international market linkage.

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

He added that it will help in expanding the base of export pockets for the Northeastern states, including Assam, as well as increasing employment opportunities.

More than 20 exports and 70 farmer producer organizations participated in the conference. Eighteen stalls were set up to display a range of natural, organic and GI products during the event.

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