Fruit, Vegetables Exports up on Gulf Demand.

New Delhi: Fruit and vegetables exports from India have risen steadily in the last few years as the country has emerged as a prime supplier to Gulf countries easing many of its long-standing competitors.

According to latest data complied by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda), exports of fruit and vegetables from the country have risen by more than 72% while fresh vegetables and processed fruits and vegetables have increased by 50% in 2009-10 as compared to the previous year.

“Emphasis on adherence to quality standards, geographical proximity and growing contract farming in the country (India) are responsible for the rise in exports of fresh fruits and vegetables,” Asit Tripathy, chairman, Apeda told FE.

In 2009-10, the country’s exports of fruits and vegetables have crossed Rs 5,400 crore and are expected rise further in the current year. In 2008-9, India exported fresh fruits and vegetables worth of Rs 3,659 crore, which included items like fresh onion, walnut, mango, grapes and others.

Officials said rising investment in cold storage facilities in western Indian states of Maharashtra and Gujarat and growing number of contract farming, has helped the country to export fresh fruits and vegetables to Gulf countries. “Geographical proximity to the Gulf region is also helping the exports,” Tripathy said.

Demand for certain items like prepared and preserved gherkins and cucumbers have almost doubled in the West Asian countries in the last two years. Even banana exports are looking good now because of strong demand from Gulf region.

West -Asia countries, which have traditionally sourced bananas from Philippines, have been gradually shifting their focus towards India because of improved quality and price advantage.

According to a Apeda official —the main canalising agency for such exports—bananas worth around Rs 100 crore were exported in 2009-10. Besides Gulf countries, India is also aiming to expand its export market for fruits and vegetable in Europe over the next few years.

Currently in Europe, Indian exports are subjected to higher duty structure against its competitors from African, Caribbean and Pacific group of states (ACP), which gets preferential treatment.

India produces 40% of world’s mangoes, 26%bananas, 18% cashew nuts, 28% green peas and 12% onion. Export of mangoes, grapes, mushrooms have started going to the United Kingdom, Middle East, Singapore and Hong Kong, and among vegetable, onion occupies first position, while officials said others like potatoes and green vegetables like okra, bitter gourd, green chillies...

Source : financialexpress.com