In a bid to boost the export of Goa’s agricultural produce, the state recently notified an Agriculture Export Policy (AEP), which focuses on local produce such cashew, Mankurad mangoes, Moira bananas, alsando and Korgut rice.
The policy will also focus on the creation of agriculture clusters, promotion of value-added products, skill and market development, attracting investors in export-oriented activities and Ease of Doing business for farmers.
Agriculture clusters will be set up for paddy (Korgut and Jyoti), organic cashew, alsando (local cowpea), Khola chillies, local jaggery and Mankurad mango.
Thus far, there are 500 organic clusters under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) Scheme.
The government plans to take appropriate measures to cut down on post-harvest losses by increasing agri processing for export of value-added produce.
The policy also proposes marketing campaigns such as ‘Wonderful Mankurad’, ‘Goa Feni’ and ‘Korgut Rice’.
Furthermore, the state will obtain the Geographical Indications (GI) tag for four more products, besides Goa Feni, Khola chillies, Moira bananas, khajem and Harmal chillis, says the policy.
The state departments of agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, co-operation and industries will be involved in monitoring the AEP. A 14-member state-level monitoring committee, chaired by the Chief Secretary, will look after its implementation.
The government wants to promote the state as an agri export hub, encourage entrepreneurship development in agriculture and boost high value exports.
Goa can become an export hub owing to the facility of the Mormugao port and Dabolim airport, states the policy.