Tawang, Apr 12: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in collaboration with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, hosted an International Conclave cum Buyer-Seller Meet (IBSM) at Kalawangpo Convention Hall in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh today to promote agricultural and processed food products exports from Arunachal Pradesh and the broader North-Eastern Region (NER) of India.
The International Conclave cum Buyer Seller Meet (BSM) was graced by the Chief Guest and Chief Minister, Pema Khandu and other dignitaries including several central and state officials.
In his keynote address, Chief Minister Pema Khandu committed to developing the agricultural & allied sectors, enhancing farmer’s livelihoods, empowering Self-Help Groups and encouraging women led development. He envisioned enhancing agri-exports of GI tagged Khaw Tai Rice (known as Khamti Rice), Mandarin Orange, Kiwi, Apple, Persimmon, Yak Cheese (Churpi), amongst others to South East Asian and ASEAN Countries. He encouraged domestic and international buyers to be a boon for the state and invest in the state’s untapped potential.
Minister of Agriculture, Gabriel Denwang Wangsu emphasised on the need to generate awareness and build capacity of the farmers of the state in order to ensure fair price for their agriculture products in domestic and international markets. He appreciated the farmers of the region for their unwavering commitment in producing the state’s finest Kiwi, Mandarin Oranges, Apples, walnuts and Value-Added Products like wines, amongst others.
The Chairman of APEDA, Abhishek Dev, encouraged the identification of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)/ Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) from Arunachal Pradesh for participation in key national and international Trade Fairs for market access, promotion and outreach. He assured that APEDA and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh are committed to working together closely for the identification and development of focused agriculture products from Arunachal Pradesh for exports to international markets, infrastructure development, training and capacity building of farmers, Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), Women’s Self Help Groups (SHGs), Start-ups and Exporters from the region as well as branding and international promotions of agriculture produce and Value Added Products from the state so people can benefit from such socio-economic developments.
The International Conclave cum Buyer-Seller Meet enabled direct interactions between 11 international Buyers from 3 countries including UAE, Nepal and Bhutan with 17 Indian exporters from 7 states and Union Territories (UTs) including Assam, Maharashtra, Delhi, Hyderabad, Karnataka, Gujarat and West Bengal. The exporters from across the country also interacted with over 50 FPOs and 200 farmers from Arunachal Pradesh who participated in the event to understand the agri produce quality, availability and production quantities.
To showcase their diverse agri basket, products and services, over 10 stalls were exhibited by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, APEDA, Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP), the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED), Spices Board of India, National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL), Amul, North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Limited (NERAMAC) and  Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA). Some of the finest agri produce from Arunachal Pradesh were showcased including GI tagged Khaw Tai Rice (known as Khamti Rice), Kiwi, Apple, Mandarin Orange, Persimmon, Large Cardamom, Yak Cheese (also known as Churpi), Arecanut, Walnut, Floriculture, Millets and Value-Added Products like Fruit Wines, amongst others.
APEDA facilitated meaningful trade discussions amongst Policymakers, Buyers, Exporters, Exhibitors, industry leaders and experts from key sectors such as Organic produce, Millets, Honey, Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, Processed Food, Spices and Tea aimed at unlocking the potential of Arunachal Pradesh’s agri-business and processed food export sectors. It further invoked a dialogue amongst several stakeholders from the Central and State governments to strengthen Arunachal Pradesh’s value chain ecosystem, address key concerns such as quality standards, packaging, logistics and transportation challenges to meet stringent demands of the international market. It explored ways to improve market access and promote sustainable growth in the agricultural sector of the state. This International Conclave and BSM at Tawang marks a critical step in the state’s journey to open new avenues for agricultural products in the global marketplace, promote sustainable growth and strengthen the export ecosystem in India’s North Eastern Region (NER).
To realise Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Viksit North East,” the Government of India through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region, Government of Arunachal Pradesh and APEDA are working in close coordination. This International Conclave cum Buyer-Seller Meet organized by APEDA and Government of Arunachal Pradesh is an affirmative action in that direction.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. APEDA works to develop, facilitate and promote the export of agricultural and processed food products, providing invaluable support to Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies and Indian exporters in navigating international markets.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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