AP, Japan agri ministry ink pact to develop food value chain

Andhra Pradesh government today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) of Japan to develop a food value chain in the state.
MAFF will encourage direct investments by Japanese companies in the fields of agriculture and food-related industry in AP.
Along with developing a food value chain, MAFF will also establish food industrial parks and develop cold chains, a release from the Chief Minister's Officer said.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu told the Japanese that AP occupied a premier position in agri-business with major contributions from agriculture, horticulture, dairy, poultry, fisheries and marine produce.

Development of cold chain infrastructure was critical to preserve perishable commodities and ensure remunerative prices.
The Chief Minister requested senior officials of MAFF to organise road shows in Japan, involving industry leaders of AP and Japanese companies, to forge collaboration and enable technology transfer and investments in the state.
Deputy Director-General, Department of International Affairs, Masakazu Ikefuchi, AP Food Processing Secretary M Girija Shankar and other officials were present during the signing.