Varanasi Agri-Export Hub

January 7, 2022

On January 7, 2022, the commerce ministry’s arm APEDA identified potential districts in Uttar Pradesh, for covering it under the Varanasi Agri-Export Hub (VAEH) in a bid to promote exports from that region.

Highlights

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has started initiatives for promoting exports from Purvanchal region of Uttar Pradesh, by developing VAEH.
Purvanchal region of the state comprises districts of Varanasi, Mirzapur, Prayagraj, Azamgarh, Gorakhpur, Ghazipur, Basti, Chandauli, Jaunpur, and Sant Ravidas Nagar.
In last six months, 20,000 tonnes of agri-produce have been exported from Purvanchal region. Around 5,000 tonnes of fresh fruits & vegetables while 15,000 tonnes of cereals have been exported to Vietnam, Nepal, Gulf nations, and Bangladesh.

Export from Varanasi region

Varanasi and adjoining areas witnessed an export of 12 MT, 22 MT and 45 MT respectively in the months of October, November, December 2021. Around 125 MT have been exported from the region.

Significance of Varanasi

Varanasi is based in plains of river Ganges. It has rich nutritional composition of soil, having a good amount of fertility, leading to production of good quality agri-produce. The region also has reputed institutions of central and international level like Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR) and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI),

Mode of exports from Varanasi

Presently, agricultural products are being exported through air route due to establishment of robust quarantine and custom clearance facilitation centre at Lal Bahadur Shastri International (LBSI) Airport. APEDA has organised around 30 capacity building programmes and eight international buyer-seller meets, in the region. This has provided a platform for exporters to market their food products in international marketplace.

Projects to monitor production

APEDA is considering to approve an AI Tech Project, for monitoring the product and production. It is also planning to take member Farmer Producer Organization to different territories in order to unveil agri-supply chain and market linkage.
Government is considering to replicate Varanasi model in Gorakhpur region of Purvanchal because of commonality in geography, demography and other parameters.

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