New Delhi, July 17: India's agri-export zones project has been operationalised with many of the 28 zones cleared in the past one year beginning exports from this season itself. "Not only have the zones been cleared, exports from some of them have begun from the current season. A web-based monitoring system has been evolved to vigorously pursue more than 120 activities in each such zone," APEDA Chairman Anil Swarup said.
APEDA (Agricultrual and Processed Foods Products Export Development Authority) is the nodal agency for the project entailing an investment of Rs 781 crore for a projected export of Rs 3984 crore in five years from 28 zones.
He said Uttaranchal Lychee zone has hired a French consultant for the necessary guidance and will export this year itself on a trial basis.
Lucknow Mango Zone has already commenced exports and will sell around 300 tonnes this season primarily to west Asia. Uttar Pradesh government has come out with a transport subsidy scheme, a packhouse has been sanctioned and necessary funds released to the state Mandi Parishad. Research has been undertaken for pest risk analysis, he said.
Swarup said Punjab Vegetable Zone has received orders for export 40 tonnes each of frozen okra and green cholia and 500 tonnes of fresh peas. Three units costing Rs 20 crore are being set up for processing vegetables. Bureau Report