APEDA readies big plan for organic exports from Uttarakhand

NEW DELHI : Faced with 66 per cent decline in organic exports from Uttarakhand in 2022-23, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the state government have chalked out plans to promote products to boost shipments.

They plan to establish mandis, or marketplaces, for organic produce to support farmers once the target of 50% organic farming area is achieved by 2025. In 2022-23, organic exports from Uttarakhand fell to 97 tonnes worth ₹4.2 crore ($0.5 million) from 285 tonnes worth ₹11.6 crore ($1.7 million) the previous year. A report by Yes Bank on strategies to boost organic exports from Uttarakhand has been released, and the state government has agreed to implement its suggestions. The decline in organic exports is attributed to the global economic downturn and the delisting of certification bodies by the European Union. The report also highlights supply-side issues such as increased certification costs and pest damage to crops.