Need to focus exports of agri-products: Tummala

Telangana emerged as the largest producer of paddy in the country and must now focus on exports, value addition and food processing to ensure better returns for farmers said Telangana Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao. He was speaking at a seminar organised by The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), in association with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) on "Emerging Export Opportunities in Food & Agri Products from Telangana – Impact of FTAs" here on Friday. 

He stressed the need for strengthening grading, processing, packaging, branding and adherence to international quality standards so that Telangana’s agricultural products can compete in global markets. The minister said the state government, under Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, is focusing on expanding food processing infrastructure, including the Mega Food Park coming up at Buggapadu in Khammam district.

FTCCI President R. Ravi Kumar said Telangana produces nearly 168 lakh metric tonnes of rice annually and has strong export potential in rice, spices, fruits, vegetables and processed food products. He called for strengthening export infrastructure such as pack houses, cold chain networks, food testing labs and refrigerated logistics to support exporters.

Officials from DGFT and APEDA briefed the participants on export procedures, global market access, Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), export finance and quality compliance. DGFT Joint Director General Akshay SC explained that Free Trade Agreements help reduce tariffs and trade barriers between countries, making exports easier and more competitive.

APEDA Regional Head R.P. Naidu said the authority promotes exports of over 700 agricultural and processed food products, with exports reaching about Rs.2.45 lakh crore last year. He noted that Nizamabad has emerged as an important rice processing hub, with several mills exporting non-basmati rice to the United States.

The seminar featured technical sessions and panel discussions on "export finance, credit insurance, documentation, and product-specific export opportunities from Telangana", with participation from exporters, food processors, agri-entrepreneurs and Farmer Producer Organizations.

K.K. Maheshwari, senior vice president of FTCCI, proposed the vote of thanks.