Andaman's Noni to be exported in UAE, UK and Canada

Port Blair, Apr 23 (UNI) Health India Ltd, a firm involved in commercial exploitation of Noni (Morinda Citrifolia), is planning to export Andaman grown Noni to countries like the UK, UAE, Canada and Thailand.

Presently Noni is cultivated in Andaman and Nicobar Islands under contract farming by Health Indian Ltd, Chennai.

'' Our company is exporting the noni-based products to Thailand, UAE, Canada, UK, Lebanon, New Zealand. We are also exploring exports to Nepal and Bangladesh,'' Dr P I Peter, Chairman and Managing Director of Health India Foundation told newspersons here.

According a recent research Noni has a global market of USD 3 billion and India has practically no share in it.

Dr Peter said Noni cultivation in A&N Islands would create jobs to the tune of 750. Out of this 350 would be direct employment.

The Chennai-based based company with a turnover of Rs 100 crores has diversified products portfolio in bio-cosmetics and noni-based sauces, soaps and jams.

'' We are providing subsidy for seedling to the farmers of the islands. Our company is procuring fruits at double the price we get from mainland India,'' he said.

Health India Ltd, started since 2001 has already started the Rs 2.46 crores 'Noni Project' in the Islands.

UNI SKR KK AB 1245