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Our Bureau

Kolkata, Jan. 7

The State Government is keen on playing the role of a facilitator with regard to boosting exports of potato to Bangladesh, among other countries.

Addressing a press conference held here on Monday to provide details of the India International Potato Expo 2008 scheduled to be held here between January 9 and 12, Mr Amit Kiran Deb, Chief Secretary of West Bengal, said the State was the second-largest potato producer in the country.

West Bengal produces 81 lakh tonnes of potato annually. Of this, 60-65 per cent is consumed locally, while the balance is sent out of the State. “We are trying to export potatoes to Bangladesh,” he said, adding that Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia were potential export markets as well.

However, for potato exports to take off, it would be necessary to ensure standardisation in terms of its size, quality, treatment, and so on. More scientific agricultural methods would have to be resorted to, Mr Deb said.

He said such issues would be discussed at the India International Potato Expo 2008. The event will have a two-day conference, three-day exhibition, farmers’ meet, demonstrations and field visits.

Among those who will attend the event include the Union Minister for Agriculture, Mr Sharad Pawar; the Union Minister of State for Food Processing, Mr Subodh Kant Sahai; the Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Mr Kantilal Bhuria; and the Union Minister of State for Commerce, Mr Jairam Ramesh. Agriculture ministers of West Bengal, Bihar, Punjab, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh will also attend the event. Buyers from six countries will also participate in the expo.

The United Nations’ Food & Agriculture Organisation has declared 2008 as the ‘International Year of Potato’.

More Stories on : Horticulture/Fruits & Vegetables | Exports & Imports | West Bengal

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