M.S. Rao

NABARD, Andhra Pradesh Regional Office organized Regional Advisory Group (RAG) Meeting on “Boosting Agri-Exports in Andhra Pradesh and Role of FPOs in Agriculture Exports- Opportunities and way forward” at Vijayawada to discuss various modalities required to involve FPOs in Agri-Exports.

The meeting was Chaired by M R Gopal, CGM, NABARD, APRO and attended by N S Murthy, GM, NABARD, E Raja Babu, Co-ordinator, SLBC, Dr K C Gumma Golmath, Director, MANAGE and representatives from various agencies like Department of Agri-Marketing, Dept of Horticulture, ANGRAU, MPEDA, Federation of Indian Export Organisation, CIFA, NGOs and other agencies involved in promotion of FPOs and Agri Exports.

N S Murthy while giving his welcome address briefed the participants about the concept of RAG group by NABARD and importance of Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures and its importance in realizing the export potential. Gopal, CGM, NABARD in his key note address briefed about conduct of previous RAG meetings, topics covered and the outcomes. He deliberated on current export scenario in India and Andhra Pradesh and various initiatives taken by GOI, GoAP and NABARD. He also indicated that some of the success stories of Jasmine FPOs in Tamil Nadu who have taken up exports and he requested the FPOs and NGOs to focus on these areas to explore the export potential.

Dr. KVS Prasad, DGM, NABARD, narrated about the status of FPOs in AP in general and promoted by NABARD in particular and their potential for taking up of exports of their produce. Others who spoke on various aspects of agri exports were Dr. Ramar, MPEDA; Selvanayagi, JD, FIEO; Murugesan, PMU Head, eFarmmarket project, representing Department of Agriculture Marketing, Dr. Senthil, CEO, A-idea, Dr Ramanjaneyulu, CSA, Raghunadha Reddy, ANGRAU. Preetam J AGM, NABARD, APRO facilitated the deliberations. The meeting ended with summing up of action points and vote of thanks by Milind Chousalkar, District Development Manager, NABARD.