The Hindu Business Line : ‘Raise agri-exports to tap potential in global markets’

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‘Raise agri-exports to tap potential in global markets’

— P.V. Sivakumar

More benefits: Mr Jairam Ramesh, Union Minister of State for Commerce, with participants at the Global Social Venture competition at the Indian School of Business in Hyderabad on Saturday.

Our Bureau

Hyderabad, March 8

There is an immediate need to increase agri-exports in view of the enormous potential in the global markets and to ensure benefit to the primary producers, according to Mr Jairam Ramesh, Union Minister of State for Commence.

Speaking at the inauguration of a two-day Global Social Venture Competition (GSVC) at the Indian School of Business (ISB) here on Saturday, Mr Ramesh said international trade should be a tool to increase employment generation, correct regional imbalances and increase social empowerment.

“Traditionally, international trade is seen as a dollar-earner. But it has greater potential to ensure benefits at the micro level especially in agricultural sectors,” he said.

Giving an example, he said the share of the plantation industry in total merchandise exports of the country is less than 2 per cent of $150 billion. Around eight million families are depending on this industry for their livelihood, he said. “Even in leather industry there is scope for more exports as $4 billion exports are feeding three million families,” he added.

The broad-basing of agri-exports from across the country would also mitigate regional disparities while promoting social empowerment, the Minister added.

The Government is working on a special package to some women self help groups near Visakhapatnam, who are producing 4,000 tonnes of organic coffee. “This is a unique effort. We are considering various assistance packages including technology support to facilitate export of the organic coffee,” Mr Ramesh said.

Mr M Rammohan Rao, Dean of ISB, said GSVC would provide the right opportunity to support and groom entrepreneurs. The ISB has invited business plans from students/alumni of business schools from across Asia. About 125 plans would compete to be named as viable plans in the two-day programme.

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