Zero-Duty Export Opportunity For South As Union Agri Minister Pushes Cash Crops Under FTAs
Southern states should prepare specific plans to expand cash crop production and tap zero-duty export opportunities under free trade agreements (FTAs), Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Friday.
Addressing the Southern States Regional Agriculture Conference in Hyderabad, Chouhan said the region could benefit from global demand for products including coffee, tea, black pepper, cardamom, turmeric, coconut, cashew, fruits and sea produce.
Citing the India-European Union agreement, he said products such as coffee, tea, spices and fruits would benefit from zero import duty in the European market. He urged states to study FTA provisions, identify products with export potential and promote them accordingly.
Chouhan stressed that producers must meet export-quality standards to compete in international markets.
The conference also discussed the impact of El Niño and deficient rainfall. Chouhan said contingency plans had been prepared for districts facing inadequate rainfall, including promoting crops that require less water and have shorter growing periods. The Centre has also established a seed bank for emergency requirements.
He said the Centre and states would jointly tackle weather-related challenges and expressed hope that rainfall would remain adequate before the monsoon withdrawal.
A conference on Rabi crops will be held in Delhi on September 28 and 29 to discuss state-wise crop plans.
Chouhan also called for wider access to Kisan Credit Cards, particularly for PM-Kisan beneficiaries, to help farmers obtain affordable credit.
He urged states to prepare agriculture roadmaps based on agro-climatic conditions, focusing on productivity, cultivation costs, remunerative prices, crop insurance, diversification and soil health.
The minister also called for advance planning of seed requirements and stronger action against poor-quality seeds and pesticides. A new scheme to promote coconut cultivation will also be implemented.
On digital agriculture, Chouhan said Bharat Vistar, currently available in Hindi and English, would be expanded to 13 regional languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam.