Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is set to flag off a shipment of Geographical Indication (GI) tagged Banarasi Langda mangoes directly from a newly built pack house in Varanasi to Sharjah on June 26. This will be the first time that such perishable foods will be exported from the region in accordance with international standards. The pack house, which is located around 10 kilometers from the airport, is accredited by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and offers single window clearance for export as per international standards.
#UPCM @myogiadityanath to flag off flight with Langda mangoes to Sharjah
G-I Tagged Banarasi Mangoes To Be Dispatched From Kashi pic.twitter.com/abLLRtl3tO
— CM Office, GoUP (@CMOfficeUP) June 25, 2023
The move is part of the government’s efforts to turn farmer entrepreneurs into exporters and eliminate middlemen from their businesses, thereby increasing farmers’ income. The Integrated Pack House for Food and Vegetable Export will enable farmer entrepreneurs to receive training to prepare products according to the demands of the international market, and is equipped to handle exports by sea, land, and air.
APEDA’s Deputy General Manager Dr. CB Singh stated that the first shipment of 4-5 metric tonnes of Banarasi Langda mangoes, along with other products, will be sent to Sharjah via Varanasi airport. In addition, a 40 feet reefer container containing 30-35 metric tons of green chillies will be transported through marine transport from Mumbai to Dubai and Doha, with preparations being made to send additional products, such as okra.
The integrated pack house ensures that fruits and vegetables go through a number of processes to conform with the international standards of various nations. As such, their flavor, freshness, and other qualities remain unaltered. Precautions are taken to ensure that these products are free of pests and diseases, and the equipment employed in the pack house is indigenous. Only after undergoing vapor heat and hot water treatment can Langda mangoes be exported.
This initiative is expected to help farmers in the region directly export their produce and increase their income. The government’s efforts to eliminate middlemen are part of their broader goal of promoting farmer entrepreneurship and empowering them with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the global market. With the new pack house in operation, Uttar Pradesh can look forward to catering to international markets’ increasing demand for fresh and organic produce.
In conclusion, Uttar Pradesh’s efforts to transform farming into entrepreneurship and increase farmers’ income are bearing fruit with the successful implementation of the Integrated Pack House for Food and Vegetable Export in Varanasi. With exports leading to an increase in demand, farmers can now look forward to tapping into the global market and expanding their horizons.
