RBSM organised for promoting exports of Indian grapes by APEDA & PHDCCI

During the event APEDA in association with PHDCCI made a prognosis, stating that the exports of Indian grapes to China are likely to increase by 200% both in quantity and value terms by 2020.

Reverse Buyer Seller Meet (RBSM) was organised by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in association with PHDCCI, for promoting exports of grapes in Mumbai today. During the event APEDA in association with PHDCCI made a prognosis, stating that the exports of Indian grapes to China are likely to increase by 200% both in quantity and value terms by 2020. Currently, the estimated exports of Indian grapes away to China are pegged at 600 metric tonnes.

Speaking on the occasion the Chairman, APEDA, Mr Paban K. Borthakur shared the initiatives taken by APEDA for boosting exports and further assessment of exports scenario. "APEDA is making efforts to expand its export market to China. The collective efforts of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry through APEDA in association with the grape growing states and the National Research Centre for grapes is making efforts to improve the quality of fresh grapes. The promotional schemes of Central and State Governments will boost the export of Indian grapes and other tropical fruits", the statement added.

Ms Zhong Lishan, From Guangdong China Imported food Association and the leader of the Chinese delegation in her presentation said that China is keen to increase import of grapes from India based on increasing demand for grapes in China which is at present from other destinations like Chile and USA.

The program was joined by Shri V Chaturvedi, Joint DGFT, representatives of the state horticulture department and National Research Centre Grapes. After this BSM and field visits to Vineyards in Nashik, it is expected that exports will rise to around 1000 MT (approx. 2.60 Million USD) this year and reach a level of 2000 MT, approximating a value of 5.2 USD by next year.

Background:

APEDA under Ministry of Commerce and Industry has been engaged in promoting quality agri-products. As per its mandate, APEDA has provided support for the required Infrastructure across the country in terms of Pack-houses with Post-Harvest Treatment facilities and Centre for Perishable Cargo Agro Complex at major Airports. This has helped the industry to increase their exports of quality produce up to a large extent. Considering the requirement of Food Safety and Traceability by importing countries, India has taken a number of measures by strengthening the backward linkage in the production supply chain, setting up of required infrastructure in terms of Packhouses and Post-Harvest Treatment Facilities which has enabled to get market access for fruits in various countries in the past.