Vegetable

Mumbai, May 30: The Fresh Vegetable and Fruit Exporters Association (FVFEA) of Mumbai today urged the Union Commerce Minister Kamal Nath to set up a radiation plant in Vashi to promote Mango exports.

The FVFEA delegation met the minister at the Indo-GCC Forum and apprised him of their problems.

The members in the delegation pointed out that the exports of horticulture products from Maharashtra were adversely affected by high air freight and numerous levies. They said the situation has worsened further following a steep devaluation of the US Dollar against the local currency.

The Minister assured to look into their problems.

The FVFEA asked the Minister to initiate steps for increase in the duty credit scrip for exporters of horticulture produce from the existing 5 per cent to 10 per cent of the FOB (Free On Board) value of exports under the Vishesh Krishi Upaj Yojana. The members aslo stressed for enhanced reimbursement under packaging development assistance, upward revision of transport assistance to offset high cost of exports and liberal export credit for agricultural exports at 4 to 5 per cent per annum as well as grant of industry status to horticulture exports.

UNI