AGRI EXPORT ZONE
With the objective of promoting greater exports of fresh
and processed agricultural produce from the country the Government
of India (GoI) has announced the creation of Agri Export Zone
(AEZ). The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Commerce,
GoI, through APEDA (the Agriculture and Processed Food Export
Development Authority), New Delhi – the nodal agency for AEZ.
The AEZ is expected to give a focus and direction for exports
of key agricultural produce with potential from the country.
It involves a detailed action plan for the development of a
specified geographic area /s for effecting systematically greater
exports of a specific produce.
Under the AEZ all aspects of agriculture such
as production, research, development, extension, post harvest
management and marketing are addressed in a focused manner for
successful implementation. For instance modern production practices
are introduced for production of exportable quality produce
and improved productivity. There is an emphasis on setting up
of appropriate produce-specific post harvest infrastructure
and introduce post harvest practices, right from farm all the
way to market. Another important area of focus under AEZ is
marketing, market promotion and market development for Indian
produce. The need for market oriented research, development
and extension activities have been recognized under the AEZ
and appropriate activities proposed to achieve both near term
and long term goals of the Indian export industry. All this
is achieved under AEZ by instituting appropriate interventions
at the Government level and producer-exporter level.
In this context, the State of Maharashtra has
added nearly 10 lacs Ha. Under Horticulture over the past 10
years. Production from 50% of this newly added area is expected
to start yielding in the next few years. This will mean substantially
greater potential for marketing of horticulture produce from
the State with possibility for greater export, Keeping this
in mind, the State of Maharashatra, the leading State in exports
of fresh and processed fruits and vegetables from the country
today, has identifed eight potential horticultural crops of
commercial importance for AEZ. Creation of AEZ will give required
momentum for steady and systematic growth of exports of these
produce from the State.
Under AEZ a number of specific activities or
interventions, agency responsible for implementation and funding
needs have been identified. Interventions are suggested in the
areas of production, post harvest management, marketing and
research and development areas. Responsibility for coordination
lies with the nodal agency, the Maharashtra State Agricultural
Marketing Board. The nodal agency with support and cooperation
from the Department of Horticulture, the Department of Agriculture,
the Department of Industries, the Department of Finance, Maharashtra
State Electricity Board (MSEB) and other agency/agencies would
implement the AEZ in a time bound and effective manner. Requirement
of funds under AEZ are proposed to be met from private and co-operative
sector with subsidies/grants from Central and State Government
and loan availed from bank and financial institutions.
