Govt mulls institutional mechanism to solve agri-export issues

An institutional mechanism is required as India lacks a coherent mechanism to respond to notices of the importing countries

In order to boost farm exports, the Centre is mulling to create an institutional mechanism to address all inter-ministerial issues related to market access and export facilitation for agri-products.

The Commerce Ministry, which has mooted the idea, is in discussions with concerned ministries including food, agriculture, health, revenue and consumer affairs.

India is trying to get new markets for export of various commodities like mangoes and grapes. But the proposals are pending for want of appropriate documents prescribed by the importing nations.

"Normally, the process of seeking market access in other countries is a very long drawn out process. Getting market access is the first crucial step towards promoting exports.

So, an institutional mechanism is necessary as at present we do not have a coherent mechanism to respond to notices of the importing countries," a government official told PTI.

There is a need to strengthen the entire back-end system as well as inter-ministerial coordination to respond quickly to such notices, the official added.

The issues related to phytosanitary certification system, pest risk analysis, residue levels in processed food, agriculture, spices, and marine products as well as quality standards are being handled by different ministries.

"Creation of an institutional mechanism would facilitate, strengthen and fast-track the decision making process," the official noted.

At present, India is working towards getting Australia, South Africa and South Korean markets for exporting mangoes.

It is also looking at the US, Japan and Vietnam for grapes, while China for rice, fruits and vegetables.

The country's agri-exports fell to Rs 95,744 crore during April-February of 2015-16 fiscal from Rs 1,20,316 crore in the year-ago period, as per the latest available data with the agri-export promotion body APEDA.