By laksh5382 
Jointly funded by NABARD through Agricultural Export Facilitation Center (AEFC), Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Spices Board of India, Federation of Indian Spice Stakeholders (FISS) and APMC Unjha and South Asia Biotechnology Center (SABC). effectively implemented. A two-day agro-export training and exposure visit for agro-processing and export industries was organized in Jodhpur recently.
The program was attended by more than 50 representatives from 12 FPOs based in Rajasthan along with renowned exporters based in Unjha, Gujarat. An agreement was concluded during the program for the production of pesticide residue-free IPM cumin and sustainably produced Isabgol and on-farm sourcing of IPM spices and medicinal plants.
growing opportunities
Bhagirath Chaudhary, Founder Director of South Asia Biotechnology Center (SABC) and Coordinator of NABARD AEFC, shared his insights on the spice market system and opportunities for export of agricultural products from Rajasthan to other countries. He emphasized on rigor in compliance with export norms such as sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures and quality standards, highlighting traceability, sustainability and adoption of regenerative production practices. He said that Rajasthan should utilize the growing opportunities in export of agri-commodities, medicinal and aromatic plants and seed spices by ensuring production of organic and pesticide residue free spices, which can be promoted as IPM branded spices.
Rahul Patil, DDM (Mahesana) NABARD, Gujarat discussed about FPO as a business development unit and highlighted the issues faced during export like lack of management skills, experience and value addition of agricultural products. He also highlighted the role of NABARD in investment and financing through NABFIN and NABKISAN, equity grant support to FPOs, support for storage, transportation and management for long term facility products, branding and processing of spices for export purpose. Discussed.
During the inaugural session of the programme, the guidebook “The Agri Exporters Roadmap: From Local to Global” produced by NABARD AEFC was released and shared with the FPOs and farmers.