APEDA promoting local products of NE to global markets

India is looking to tap the export potential of agricultural and livestock food products in Myanmar.

A virtual buyer seller meet (VBSM) was organised by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on October 12 through its export promotion body- Agricultural and Processed Food Products Development Authority (APEDA) in association with Embassy of India, Myanmar to look into the opportunities.

The VBSM is also a part of the APEDA’s strategy to promote locally produced agricultural products in the North Eastern Region to the international markets.

The NE region is geopolitically important as it shares international boundaries with China and Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal and Bangladesh making it the potential hub for the export of agricultural produce to neighbouring countries as well as other foreign destinations.

Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram share international border with Myanmar.

According to NITI Aayog, 95 percent of India's trade with its East and South East Asian neighbours are in products originating from regions other Northeast. Not one of Northeastern states are a significant player in India's international trade with the neighbouring countries.

Deputy Chief of Mission Nabanita Chakrabarti released the E-catalogue for the buyer-seller meet. The E- catalogue contains information of contact details of Indian exporters and buyers from Myanmar.

Representatives of The Rice Exporters Association (TREA), All India Food Processors’ Association, All India Buffalo & Sheep Meat Exporters Association, Fresh Vegetables & Fruits Exporters Association (India), Myanmar Food Processors’ & Exporters Association (MFPEA), Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF), and others were present at the VBSM, which was organised to promote the export of agricultural products.

Officials said that more stake-holders interaction will be done in future and instead of virtual, more deliberations in physical format will be organised in coming days to explore export opportunities for agricultural and livestock food products in Myanmar.

APEDA officials stressed on collaborating with Myanmar farmers and traders to explore value addition opportunities of agricultural products exported to the neighbouring country from India.

Since Myanmar is rich in various raw materials, the Myanmar Rice Federation (MRF) has invited Indian entrepreneurs to explore business opportunities in the sector of natural fertilizer production and biological products for soil improvements.

India’s export to Myanmar includes mustard seeds, pulses and beans, fresh vegetables, fruits and soya bean.

India’s agricultural products exports had grown by 19.92 per cent during 2021-22 to touch $50.21 billion. The growth rate is remarkable as it is over and above the growth of 17.66 per cent at $41.87 billion achieved in 2020-21 and has been achieved in spite of unprecedented logistical challenges in the form of high freight rates and container shortages, etc.

Officials said the rise in the export of agricultural and processed food products is the outcome of the government's various initiatives taken for the export promotion of agricultural and processed food products such as organising B2B exhibitions in different countries, exploring new potential markets through product-specific and general marketing campaigns by the active involvement of Indian Embassies.

The government has also taken several initiatives to promote products having registered geographical indications (GI) in India by organizing virtual Buyer Seller Meets on agricultural and food products with the United Arab Emirates and on GI products, including handicrafts with the USA.

In order to ensure seamless quality certification of products to be exported, the government has recognised 220 labs across India to provide services of testing to a wide range of products and exporters.

APEDA, a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, is the nodal agency for promoting Indian agro and processed food exports and is responsible for facilitating and promoting export of horticulture, floriculture, processed food, poultry products, dairy and other agro-products.

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