Highlights
- Through the development of VAEH, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) took a step to promote exports from Uttar Pradesh’s Purvanchal region.
- Varanasi, Mirzapur, Prayagraj, Azamgarh, Gorakhpur, Ghazipur, Basti, Chandauli, Jaunpur, and Sant Ravidas Nagar are among the districts that make up the state’s Purvanchal area.
- Purvanchal area has exported 20,000 tonnes of agricultural produce in the last six months.
- Approximately 5,000 tonnes of fresh fruits and vegetables were sold to Vietnam, Nepal, Gulf countries, and Bangladesh, while 15,000 tonnes of cereals were sent.
What is in the News?
On January 7, 2022, APEDA, the commerce ministry’s arm, shortlisted eligible districts in Uttar Pradesh for inclusion in the Varanasi Agri-Export Hub (VAEH) in order to boost exports from that region.
Varanasi is known for its exports.
In the months of October, November, and December 2021, Varanasi and the surrounding territories exported 12 MT, 22 MT, and 45 MT, respectively.
A total of 125 MT was exported from the region.
Significance of Varanasi
Varanasi is located on the Ganges River plains. It has a rich nutritional composition of soil, as well as a high level of fertility, resulting in the production of high-quality agricultural products.
Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR), and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) are among the renowned and reputed regions in this area .
Various modes of export from Varanasi
Agricultural products are currently being exported via air due to the creation of a robust quarantine and customs clearance facilitation centre at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (LBSI).
In the region, APEDA has hosted about 30 capacity-building programmes and eight international buyer-seller meetings.
This has provided exporters with a platform to advertise their food items on a global scale.
Production-monitoring projects
APEDA is considering approving an AI Tech Project for product and production monitoring.
It also intends to transport member Farmer Producer Organizations to other parts of the country in order to demonstrate the agri-supply chain and market linkages.
