Centre to declare policies for agriculture export, air cargo

Union minister of commerce, industry and civil aviation Suresh Prabhu on Sunday said that the agriculture export policy will be announced in the next few days. He said the policy aims to give a boost not only to agriculture but also to horticulture, plantation, fisheries and dairy sectors. He said the policy will help fetch good price for agricultural produce.

Speaking on the concluding day of the 25th CII Partnership summit, Prabhu said the union cabinet has approved the agriculture export policy. ‘’There is huge potential for agriculture exports. Districts possessing potential for particular industries and items will be identified. They will be developed as clusters for the development of that sector.  In the pilot project, six districts from five states will be developed. These would include Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri from Maharashtra,’’ said the minister.

Prabhu informed that the UAE and Saudi Arabia have evinced interest in investing in India’s agricultural sector.  He also said the government will announce a maiden air cargo policy in the ensuing Global Aviation Summit 2019 on January 14 and 15. The policy will promote air connectivity to export perishable agricultural goods.

Prabhu said more than 1,000 delegates from around 46 countries, including politicians, leaders in various industries, multilateral agencies, UN organizations and businesses attended the Partnership Summit.