India: Trade initiatives see apple export rise .

The global export of apples during the year 2010 was 71.02 lakh MTs whereas India’s export of apples during the same year was 1,946 MT.  Therefore, India’s share in export is a meagre 0.02%. The reasons for the low market share include high demand and good prices in the domestic market, lack of supply chain facilities and poor infrastructure to get produce to overseas markets in good condition.

Trying to encourage increased exports is an ongoing task. The government is taking steps to encourage agricultural exports in general, through measures and incentives under Plan schemes of the Commodity Boards and Export Promotion Councils.

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the administrative control of the Department of Commerce, is also implementing various Schemes to extend financial assistance to the eligible exporters registered with it to boost the overall agri exports.

In addition, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry has put in place various schemes. such as Market Development Assistance (MDA), Market Assistance Initiative (MAI), Assistance to States for Developing Export Infrastructure and Allied Activities(ASIDE), Vishesh Krishi and Gram Upaj Yojana, Focus Product Scheme, Focus Market Scheme and Town of Export Excellence, to provide assistance to encourage exports.

Trade delegations are also carried out to ensure greater penetration into foreign markets and meetings between buyers and sellers arranged. Over the last three years APEDA has provided Rs.6.84 crore to Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation Ltd. (HPMC) for Integrated Packhouse in Kinnaur, Jarol Ticker, Oddi, Kumarsain, Shimla,, Gumma, Patlikuhl, Kullu, and Rs.11.11 crore to HPMC for Controlled Atmosphere (CA) Stores in Gumma and Jarol Tikker.

On account of above efforts, the export of apple has registered 86.10% growth during 2010-11 over the previous year.  

Source : freshplaza.com