Arunachal Pradesh Hosts International Buyer-Seller Meet
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), in partnership with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, recently organized an International Conclave cum Buyer-Seller Meet (IBSM) at the Kalawangpo Convention Hall in Tawang. This event aimed to boost the export of agricultural and processed food products from Arunachal Pradesh and the wider North-Eastern Region of India. Key officials, including the Chief Minister and the Minister of Agriculture, emphasized the importance of enhancing agricultural exports and empowering local farmers.
Commitment to Agricultural Development
During the keynote address, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu highlighted the government’s commitment to advancing the agricultural and allied sectors. He stressed the importance of improving farmers’ livelihoods and empowering Self-Help Groups, particularly focusing on women-led initiatives. Khandu expressed his vision to enhance exports of regionally significant products such as GI tagged Khaw Tai Rice, Mandarin Oranges, Kiwi, Apples, Persimmons, and Yak Cheese to Southeast Asian and ASEAN countries. He urged both domestic and international buyers to invest in the state’s agricultural potential, which remains largely untapped.
Minister of Agriculture, Shri Gabriel Denwang Wangsu, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and capacity building among farmers. He acknowledged the dedication of local farmers in producing high-quality products like Kiwi, Mandarin Oranges, and Apples, as well as value-added items such as wines. Wangsu’s remarks underscored the importance of ensuring fair pricing for agricultural products in both domestic and international markets.
Key Participants and Discussions
The International Conclave cum Buyer-Seller Meet featured notable attendees, including Chief Secretary Shri Manish Gupta, former Union Secretary Shri Siraj Hussain, and APEDA Chairman Shri Abhishek Dev. These officials engaged in discussions aimed at fostering collaboration between the state government and APEDA to identify and develop key agricultural products for export. Dev emphasized the importance of involving Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) from Arunachal Pradesh in national and international trade fairs to enhance market access and outreach.
APEDA’s commitment to supporting local agriculture was evident as they pledged to work closely with the Arunachal Pradesh government on infrastructure development, training, and capacity building for farmers and agricultural organizations. This collaboration aims to promote branding and international marketing of the state’s agricultural produce and value-added products.
Facilitating Trade Opportunities
The event facilitated direct interactions between 11 international buyers from countries such as the UAE, Nepal, and Bhutan and 17 Indian exporters from various states, including Assam, Maharashtra, and West Bengal. This interaction allowed exporters to connect with over 50 FPOs and 200 farmers from Arunachal Pradesh, providing insights into the quality, availability, and production capacities of local agricultural products.
APEDA played a crucial role in fostering trade discussions among policymakers, buyers, exporters, and industry leaders across various sectors, including organic produce, millets, honey, fresh fruits, vegetables, processed foods, spices, and tea. These discussions aimed to unlock the potential of Arunachal Pradesh’s agricultural and processed food export sectors, aligning with the Indian government’s vision for a “Viksit North East.”
APEDA’s Role in Agricultural Exports
APEDA, a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is dedicated to promoting the export of agricultural and processed food products. The organization provides essential support to Farmer Producer Organizations, Farmer Producer Companies, and Indian exporters, helping them navigate international markets. Through initiatives like the International Conclave cum Buyer-Seller Meet, APEDA aims to enhance the visibility and marketability of Indian agricultural products on the global stage.
As the government continues to work closely with APEDA and various ministries, the focus remains on realizing the Prime Minister’s vision for a developed North East, ensuring that the region’s agricultural potential is fully harnessed for economic growth.
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