GANDHINAGAR: While many states have already launched agro-export policies, the Gujarat government now plans to come out with a new Gujarat Agro-Export Policy, 2022, ahead of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS) scheduled for mid-January.
A key officer privy to the development said, “The objective of the proposed agro-export policy is to promote production of high quality, high-yielding varieties of export-oriented crops and marine products and to give special impetus to export-oriented units.”
“Under the proposed policy, special financial incentives will be given along with the development of 13 major agro-export clusters. Under the policy, financial incentives worth Rs 1,750 crore will be given to local clusters and industries. The focus will be on creating export support infrastructure in the identified clusters and supporting farmers in raising international quality produce, which can be marketed abroad. The policy draft is in the process of being approved by the government. The action plan has got in-principle approval,” a source said.
Thirteen crop clusters have been identified, where the government will set up infrastructure in the form of air cargo complexes at Vadodara, Surat and Rajkot airports, specially-designed packing houses and temperature-controlled warehouse at Mundra, Kandla and Pipavav for agro and food products.
For market development, the government will organize fairs and facilitate participation in fairs, events, buyer-seller meets, reverse buyer seller meets, trade delegations etc. for the sector.
Besides setting up an export facilitation cell, the government will conduct a detailed study on country-wise requirements of crops and processed foods, carry out qualitative and quantitative analysis of products required and facilitate statutory tests and quality certifications for exports to various countries.
Subsidies for setting up agro and food processing units and infrastructure facilities will range from 35% to 60% depending on what percentage of produce is exported, sources said.
