Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) Consultant Triranga Bharatiya Borah shared insights into the organization’s efforts to enhance agricultural exports from the northeastern region during an exclusive interview with Business North East (BNE) recently. He highlighted the promising potential of the region while addressing challenges and strategies to integrate its agricultural products into the international market.
Triranga Bharatiya Borah acknowledged that the northeastern region holds immense promise but faces significant hurdles such as low production volumes, transportation issues, inadequate logistics, and a lack of integrated pack houses. However, he emphasized that both the centre and the state are actively addressing these issues. “By next year, we expect a more conducive environment for exports, particularly targeting markets in the Middle East, neighbouring countries, and Europe,” he told BNE.
Currently, APEDA is working with at least 17 processed agricultural products. Triranga Bharatiya Borah noted a significant opportunity for the northeastern region following the recent lifting of the non-basmati rice export ban, which will allow the export of various rice varieties unique to the region.
Moreover, APEDA is organizing a series of International Buyer-Seller Meets in Kokrajhar, Guwahati, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya to facilitate direct negotiations between local producers and international buyers. Triranga Bharatiya Borah revealed that buyers from various countries would participate, creating valuable export opportunities for the region’s producers.
The organization is playing a vital role in providing financial assistance for export-related infrastructure in the northeastern region. “We offer over 75% subsidy for market infrastructure development,” Triranga Bharatiya Borah stated. He also mentioned that the organization supports the establishment of specialized labs required for export certifications by providing subsidies for lab equipment and machinery.
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Highlighting APEDA’s focus on organic farming, Triranga Bharatiya Borah mentioned the annual BioFach event in Europe, where organic producers from the northeastern region can showcase their products to global buyers. “APEDA supports organic producers who have the potential to become future exporters, helping them display their products in the European market,” Triranga Bharatiya Borah said.
This exclusive interaction underlines APEDA’s commitment to overcoming challenges and unlocking the northeastern region’s potential as a hub for agricultural exports, with a strong focus on organic products and global market integration.
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