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Bengal

Bengal gears up to match European norms for export of fruits, vegetables

Kolkata: Keen to push for exports of fresh fruits and vegetables for the European markets, the Bengal government is working overtime to help exporters to meet the stringent norms which are in place in most European countries.
"We are exporting fresh fruits and vegetables to Asian countries as well as the Middle East. But we are eyeing the European and West Asian markets as well.
"Europe is extremely stringent about export quality norms which is acting as a barrier. We are working on setting up the requisite testing and quality control infrastructure in Bengal," state's Food Processing and Horticulture minister Rezzak Mollah said on Saturday at the inaugural session of Food Processing Conclave organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
According to Mollah, the state has already initiated the process of setting up requisite testing and quality control infrastructure that comply with European standards.
This includes setting up of a hot water treatment plant at Malda; use of sprinklers in farms and so on.
Around Rs 15 crore has already gone towards setting up of the hot water plant; while another Rs 25 crore has been towards distribution of the modern sprinklers.
"However, testing and quality control infrastructure needs substantial investment — something which cannot be done by the state alone. I urge investors to come forward," he said, adding: "I would urge CII to facilitate market linkages."
So far, one consignment of chillies has made its way to Europe; while plans are afoot to see if litchis can be sent adhering to all the quality norms.
The minister made a strong pitch for Bengal as an attractive destination for food processing companies. "For you, it is perhaps the most rewarding destination," he told the Conclave which was also addressed by the procurement heads of leading processed food companies such as Grofers, Hindustan Unilever Limited, ITC Limited, Adani Wilmar Limited, Aditya Birla Retail Limited and Big Basket and also representatives from 16 farmer producer companies and APEDA and NABARD.
"We have allowed participatory farming, making it easier for agro-based companies to enter into supply contracts with farmers. Join the participatory farming. Come to the farmers and producers, give them technology and inputs, and take your profit," he said, adding that participatory farming will address the raw material problem as well.
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