In a move to develop Jharkhand as a one of the best agricultural produce centres of the Country, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Development Authority (APEDA) and agricultural think tank of the State Birsa Agricultural University (BAU) on Sunday jointly organised a seminar on ‘Capacity Building Programme For Farmers’ under ‘Vanijya Utsav’ which is going on across the Country.
A huge number of farmers along with buyers were present to build Jharkhand as agricultural produce exporting hub during the brainstorming session. Various Scientists from BAU and officials from the government organisations like APEDA, Government of Jharkhand, Central Warehousing Corporation of India Limited were present during the brainstorming programme.
Speaking as Chief Guest, BAU Vice Chancellor, Onkar Nath Singh said that there is a huge potential for export of agricultural products from Jharkhand and neighbouring states. “By promoting the export of agricultural products, the income of the farmers will increase, ‘’ he added.
“Export can be promoted by identifying vegetables, fruits, honey and tasar products from the State. In this direction, the Agricultural University is ready to provide technical and human resource support. A transparent strategy of proper planning and management will have to be developed with the cooperation of State Government Departments, Agricultural Universities and agricultural stakeholders in the direction of export of agricultural products. To make farmers aware of the subject of export of agricultural products, expansion of the Farmers Producer Committee (FPC) and Farmers Producer Organization (FPO) through APEDA in the State is required,” said Singh.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, APEDA Regional Director, Sandeep Saha said that the Government of India has nominated APEDA to promote the export of agricultural products at the state level, which is being taken forward with the participation of nodal agencies and Farmer Producer Organizations nominated by the States.
“This programme is being organized all over the Country on this day with the aim of providing fair prices to the farmers for agricultural products, evaluation of agricultural cost and promoting agricultural exports. About 80 Farmer Producer Organizations are trying in this direction in Ranchi and Hazaribagh districts of the State,” he added.
Special Secretary and Consultant Agriculture, Government of Jharkhand, Pradeep Hazari said that the agriculture system of Jharkhand State is progressing with the help of FPOs, the State Government, Agricultural Universities, NABARD, SFAC, CWC and NGOs with the help of time. “The production of Basmati rice, wheat, maize, pulses, green vegetables and fruits is continuously increasing in the State. The State Government is also trying to make the farmers of the State self-reliant by promoting agricultural exports,” he added.
Experts in the program included Good Agriculture Practice in Dr. BK Jha of BAU, Dr. Pramod Rai, value addition and processing of agricultural products, District Horticulture Officer, Vikas Kumar gave their views on the agriculture marketing system and export prospects in the State.