Export of Horticultural Products–The Path Ahead

Abstract

With the help of record production, India, the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the world, have achieved record horticulture exports to the tune of Rs 14,000 crores in 2011-12. Major destination for India’s products are Netherland, UAE, UK, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, USA etc. Blessed with multiple agro climatic zones, India grows almost all types of Fruits and Vegetables. The 2011-12 horticulture production has crossed all time high of over 240 million tons. Occupying 13.08 per cent of the total cropped area, their contribution to gross agricultural output is more than 30 per cent. The year 2012 is being dubbed as the “Year of Horticulture” to highlight the horticulture development in India.

However, the export competitiveness among the Indian producers remains low. But with new marketing initiatives, the post-harvest losses and the wastage due to poor infrastructure facilities, such as storage and transportation, have been reduced to a considerable extent. Yet a lot needs to be done in this sector: Further strengthening of the back-up infrastructure facilities like cold-storages, refer vans, roads and distribution and management of horticulture products. Improvement in Packaging and timely marketing of horticulture products. Simplification of Export Documentation & initial registration process and later traceability charts required by importers. They are time consuming and tedious, making farmers and many exporters hesitant. Training of Labor Oriented Sector for Pre-harvest processes, Harvesting, Handling of crop and Storage. Providing solutions for these and other problems will see Horticulture exports further surge ahead in the years to come.