Markfed aims to export 10,000 tonnes of potatoes to Europe

The Punjab State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation (Markfed), a nodal agency for agriculture export, plans to export 10,000 tonnes of potatoes to European countries, days after it received the Global Gap Certification for current potato crop spread over about 2,000 acres.

Officials in Markfed informed that their case has already been forwarded by the Ministry of Agriculture to the Brussels-headquartered European Union (EU), for administrative approvals for export.

Once the department gets clearance, they would be able to export potatoes to European countries. Besides, the department also plans to export the commodity to West Asia, South East Asian countries, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand, the Maldives, among others. The Global Gap (earlier EuroGAP) is the statutory requirement set by the EU for all fruits, vegetables and food items exported to the European countries.

 

The GlobalGap standard is primarily designed to reassure consumers about how food is produced on the farm by minimising detrimental environmental impacts of farming operations, reducing the use of chemical inputs and ensuring a responsible approach to worker health and safety as well as animal welfare.

Speaking to Business Standard, Markfed Chief Manager (agri export zone), MBS Sandhu said: “We have received Global Gap certification for the current potato crop. Once we get approval from the EU, we would be able to export potatoes to European countries.”