Exim Bank focuses on NE's horticulture and handloom sectors

Export Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) has identified horticulture and handloom sectors of North Eastern region has the two sectors where exports can "kick-start easily". It feels if the horticulture potential of the region is tapped properly, the region can "easily" double or triple it exports to the world market.

"We would focus on horticulture and handlooms sectors as there are the two sectors in North-East where we have found that exports can kick-start easily. Everything is there. It does not disturb the environment, it is part of the culture of North-Eastern people, you don't require do anything great to get the process going and the potential is very large. We can easily double or triple our horticulture exports with very little effort. The government of India have got very attractive schemes. But things are not taking off. We need to get our acts together," said TCA Ranganathan, chairman and managing director of EXIM Bank.

He said the difference between India and China in terms of production in horticulture sector was not much. But when it came to exports, China, he said, was 6 times ahead than India.

The bank today organised a 'Round-Table' meet, where it lined up a host of experts and industry people to "sit together" and have "detailed discussions" with entrepreneurs, firms, NGOs and stakeholders from North-East; engaged in horticulture and handloom sectors.

"We are a catalyst. My role is to help, catalyse, facilitate and bring people together. If ideas are there and need articulation and support we will provide them. We will help people get certification for patents, geographical indication (GI), branding and packaging," said Ranganathan, while interacting with media persons on the sidelines of the 'Round-Table' meet.

Ranganathan added such interactions and meets between industry people and stakeholders from the region would facilitate drawing up a roadmap for sustainable production while also identifying avenues to create markets and linkages for farmers and entrepreneurs from the region.

He further said that Exim Bank, through its comprehensive range of finance and advisory services, endeavoured to enhance productive capacity and entrepreneurial development in North-Eastern region, while also facilitating and financing export activities in the region.India is the second largest producer of both fruits and vegetables globally, after China, accounting for 14 per cent and 12 per cent, respectively, of global production.

However, despite the large production base, India's share in global exports of horticulture products (fruits, vegetables, and processed fruits and vegetables) is low. India's export of horticulture is $ 2.7 billion (1.3 per cent of global exports) as compared to China's exports of $ 18 billion (9 per cent of global exports).