MoU signed to boost Vanilla cultivation and Export in Karnataka

Bangalore, Aug 25 (UNI) The Union Agricultural Ministry has decided to set up Agri-Export Zone (AEZ) in Karnataka to boost Cultivation and Export of Vanill in the State.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the Karnataka Horticulture Department under which measures would be taken to help growers to implement scientific methods both during pre and post harvest of Vanilla crop.

APEDA Chairman K S Money and Horticulture Department Director C V Vasanth Kumar inked the MoU.

Under the agreement the area under Vanilla cultivation would be identified and a value chain from Vanilla cultivation to marketing of the finishing product. Each stage would be assessed to eliminate the problems faced by the growers in marketing their produce. They will also get inputs from APEDA on processing of raw crop, production of quality sapplings and quality control.

This was for the first time a governmental agency is coming out to help the Vanilla growers under a centrally funded programme. Such AEZs already exist for Rose Onion and Gherkin.

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