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As many as 75 global retail chains including Target from the US, Lotte Plaza from South Korea and Magnit from Russia are participating in Indus Food, the country’s mega international food and beverages trade show, beginning on Thursday.
The two-day global food trade fair in Greater Noida, organised by the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI), will see participation of over 400 exhibitors and attract buyers from about 43 countries resulting in business of an estimated $1.5-2.5 billion.
“Global retail chains, like the ones participating in Indus Food, have the capacity to invest in back-end infrastructure for food which is vital to reduce wastage and increase exports,” Santosh Sarangi, Joint Secretary, Commerce Ministry, pointed out.
Farm shipments upAgricultural exports from India grew at 18 per cent to $ 21 billion in the April-October 2017-18 period compared to just 5 per cent growth seen in 2016-17. However, exports of agricultural produce need to grow at a much faster pace to touch $60 billion by 2020 (double from $31 billion in 2015) which is essential to help double farmers’ incomes in line with the Prime Minister’s stated policy.
Draft policyThe Commerce Ministry will put up a draft Agricultural Export Policy for stakeholders’ comments in the next 20-25 days which will aim at boosting exports further by identifying new markets, niche products and involving states, Sarangi said.
“Exports can be increased largely by focussing on value-addition and bringing down wastage through pre- and post-harvest interventions,” Sarangi said.
The policy will also focus on cluster development for mangoes, shrimps, oranges, grapes, etc and teaching farmers global best practices.
“Once the draft Agricultural Export Policy is approved by the Commerce Minister, we will put it up online for stakeholders’ comments and suggestions,” Sarangi said, adding that the policy will be placed before the Cabinet only if the final document includes provisions that would need approval at the top level.
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