The CII's efforts in stepping up exports in agro processing and food processing may be up against official hurdles in Madhya Pradesh. |
The chamber, in association with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), has launched a series of interactive sessions under the title "Export Potential of Agriculture and Food Processing Sector in Chhindwara". |
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A recent session, the first in the series, discussed raw material supply and government facilities in the district. |
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The state government has created a department for agro processing and food processing that will monitor horticulture activities. |
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"The nodal agency, the Madhya Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation, which monitors agro-export zones, has been incurring losses for the past several years and it could not handle them properly," a senior official told Business Standard, adding, "Madhya Pradesh has five agro export zones for nine commodities but they are hardly functioning." |
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Local officials including Jabalpur Commissioner I S Dhani are enthusiastic about agro products in Chhindwara. "There is a need to identify such produce to maintain focused export quality and supply," an official said. |
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An agro export zone for oranges in Madhya Pradesh is also hanging fire. "A department for agro processing has been created," said K K Tiwari, chief general manager of the Madhya Pradesh State Agro Industries. |
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Frequent political and bureaucratic changes have marred progress in the agri-processing sector. |
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