Surat APMC to house Rs 500 cr mega market

Surat Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), in association with the state government, will invest Rs 500-600 crore to set up a mega market in the city. There will be facility for value-addition and processing of vegetables and fruits brought by farmers.

The scheme is based on an experts' committee recommendation to strengthen farmers' output through terminal and transit markets. The committee was appointed by the Union government.

According to the Gujarat State Agro-Vision, terminal markets can incur investment worth Rs 74 crore and the state government has taken the initiative to set up a model mega market worth Rs 500 crore.

"Currently, such mega market does not exist in any other state. If the plan fructifies we can get better agro-based products, pharma and ayurvedic products for export," KV Patel, district agricultural officer, said.

"The state is moving the the Central government to grant 20-25 per cent subsidy on food products obtained from raw vegetables,'' Raman Patel, chairman of APMC, said.

"Since last two years agriculture produce in the state increased from Rs 200 crore to Rs 500 crore and it is expected to rise further in the coming years after the completion of the mega market,'' added Patel.

Fruits and vegetables arriving from south Gujarat will also be included in the mega market to benefit other districts.

The mega market will bring in new technology and will generate employment, especially for women, stated Patel.

"The value-added products will cater to demands from other countries and there will be less resistance to export agro-based products in accordance with the WTO norms,'' said Patel.