The Ministry of Agriculture on Tuesday assured exporters of Agri and Allied commodities of bringing farm exports back on track by ironing out the difficulties and hurdles faced by them due to the nationwide lockdown.
Agriculture Secretary Sanjay Agarwal said that the government will look into all the issues related to transportation, international freight and courier services will be considered for necessary resolution. The request of the industry to open for functioning and sector specific issues will be taken up with the Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and resolved appropriately, he assured.
According to officials present in the meeting, the main problems highlighted by exporters of all agri commodities related to availability and movement of labour, inter-state transport
bottlenecks, shortage of raw materials due to closure of mandis, phyto-sanitary certification, closure of courier services, thereby, hampering movement of shipping documents, availability of freight services, access to ports/yards and clearance of goods forimports/exports.
The industry sought permission for low scale operation with at least 25-30% strength to fulfil export demands they have in hand. The opening up of their operation will also help them book new orders as there is great demand of food items at global market due to Covid-19. Exporters, representatives of Associations of producers/exporters of agri commodities namely, Fruits, Vegetables, Basmati and Non-basmati Rice, Seeds, Flowers, Plants, Organic produce, Agriculture Equipment and Machinery participated in the meeting.
India is a net exporter of Agricultural & allied Commodities whose exports during 2018-19 were Rs. 2.73 lakh crores. This sector has always been positive in balance of trade.
“Export is very important as besides earning precious foreign exchange for the country, the agricultural exports help farmers/producers/exporters to take advantage of wider international market and increase their income.
Exports have also resulted in increased production in agriculture sector by increasing area coverage and productivity,” the ministry said in a statement.