APEDA, GOI, MSAMB sign MOU to integrate Vashi, Kalwa markets

Pune, Aug 12 (UNI) A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), New Delhi, GOI&Maharashtra State Agriculture Marketing Boards(MSAMB), Pune to integrate common facilities for fruits and vegetables at Vashi, Navi Mumbai and an export facility center for onions at Kalwan, Nashik.

The MoU was signed by Mr Asit Tripathy, Chairman, APEDA and S P Sangle, Director Marketing, Maharashtra State&Managing Director, MSAMB, Pune.

The Agricultural&Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is a nodal government agency overlooking export promotion under the Ministry of Commerce&Industry, Government of India. It was established under an Act of Parliament in 1986 with the mandate to promote and develop exports of agricultural and processed food products from the country. APEDA looks after a range of products including fresh fruits and vegetables, processed fruits and vegetables, livestock products, cereals and grains, floriculture, confectionery and bakery, papads, Guar gum, honey and miscellaneous processed foods.

The facility centre will be beneficial to the Kalwan, Satana and Devala tehsil of Nashik district. Nashik district is famous for onion production in the country and it produces 50 per cent onion (around 13 to 14 lacs M T) of the state. Kalwan, Satana and Devala are under tribal zone and this project will be first project in tribal area in the state. Kalwan Taluka Kharedi Vikri Sangha has agreed to make available the land for this project free of cost.

The export of APEDA governed products has increased from Rs 21,150.43 crore in 2006-07 to Rs 28,906.04 crore in 2007-08 reflecting a spectacular growth of 36.60 per cent. Export of fresh fruits and vegetables has risen from Rs 2,411.66 crore in 2006-07 to Rs 2,920.30 crore in 2007-08 reflecting a growth of 21.09 per cent.

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