UPA Govt to replicate NDDB model to boost exports: Minister

Hyderabad, Mar 8 (UNI) The Centre is working out plans to replicate the business model of the National Dairy Development Board in export-oriented sectors including leather goods, organic coffee and handicrafts to boost exports and remove regional disparities, Union Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh said today.

With Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu mainly contributing to the high economic growth, the Centre was concentrating on reducing the regional disparities by promoting NDDB model for providing livelihood opportunities for the people in the backward areas, he noted while kicking off the Asia final of the Global Social Venture Competition organised by the Indian School of Business in association with four other leading business schools in the world.

The NDDB model was the most successful business model helping the country to become a major producer of milk and milk products from being a net importer of milk, he pointed out.

''We want to replicate the NDDB model in other sectors with good export potential like handicrafts and leather goods and create jobs for marginalised people,'' he said.

The Ministry was working with tribal women Self-Help Groups in the naxalite-prone agency areas of Visakhapatnam district to produce at least 4,000 tonnes of ''organic coffee'' for the niche export market.

He stressed the need for creating more job opportunities for disadvantaged sections by promoting exports of traditional products like, coffee, tea, rubber, coconut, which accouunted for two per cent of the country's exports of 150 billion, dollars.

UNI SM ROY AK RN1939