ATM News Network: A small task group will be formed to promote the export of traditional varieties and value-added products of fruits, especially bananas, informed Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) Chairman M. Angmuthu.
He was speaking at the inauguration of a two-day consultative workshop on 'Export of GI and Conventional Bananas: Current Situation, Trade Opportunities and Way Forward' jointly organised by National Research Center for Bananas (NRCB) and Apeda.
India the largest banana producing country in the world, but has share in the world banana trade is still negligible. Bananas are exported to only 15 countries. It was discussed that the Banana exports can be increased by reaching America and European countries. For this, Apeda will promote the export of traditional banana varieties and GI tagged bananas to more countries. This will also encourage export of banana based value added products. A small working group consisting of stakeholders will be formed to promote banana exports, said Angmuthu said.
Angamuthu observes, traditional varieties are the country's inherent strength. Stakeholders should try to sell them to the world by ensuring good quality and packaging. He urged scientists to identify gaps in technology, supply chain management and other areas and initiate appropriate measures.
On this occasion Assistant Director General of Horticulture Science-II of Indian Council of Agricultural Research V.B. Patel, Vice-Chancellor of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University V. Geethalakshmi, NRCB Director R. Selvarajan guided.