Shimla (Kameshwar Sharma): The Himachal Processed Food Export Workshop was organized at Fagu, Shimla, by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, in collaboration with Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC).
The workshop brought together senior officials from the Central and State Governments, HPMC, exporters, entrepreneurs, food processing units, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and industry stakeholders. Participants discussed strategies to strengthen exports of Himachal Pradesh’s horticultural and value-added food products.
Focus on Export Potential of Himachal Pradesh
The Himachal Processed Food Export Workshop was chaired by Monica Gaur, Director, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. She highlighted the immense export potential of Himachal Pradesh’s horticulture sector and emphasized the need to strengthen market linkages, value addition, and export-oriented infrastructure.
She stated that the Government of India has developed a new strategy to promote the international export of agro-processed fruits. As a result, organic fruits from Himachal Pradesh are expected to gain greater access to global markets.
HPMC Highlights Role in Value Addition
HPMC Managing Director D.C. Rana outlined the corporation’s contribution to procurement, processing, branding, marketing, and value addition of horticultural products.
During the Himachal Processed Food Export Workshop, he stressed that connecting farmers with processing and export value chains can significantly increase their income. Furthermore, such initiatives can create new entrepreneurship opportunities in rural areas. As a result, farmers can benefit from higher earnings while contributing to the growth of the state’s horticulture sector.
Government Encourages Use of Export Promotion Schemes
Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Nitin Yadav, delivered the keynote address. He urged stakeholders to make maximum use of central government schemes designed to support agricultural and horticultural exports.
He emphasized linking Himachal Pradesh’s horticulture sector with international markets and increasing exports of premium fresh and processed horticultural products.
Discussion on Stone Fruits and Value-Added Products
A major focus of the Himachal Processed Food Export Workshop was the export potential of stone fruits such as plums, peaches, apricots, and cherries.
Participants also explored opportunities for exporting value-added products derived from these fruits. Discussions covered fruit juices, concentrates, jams, squashes, pickles, canned products, and other processed horticultural items.
Experts highlighted the importance of packaging, branding, quality certification, traceability standards, and export promotion measures to improve global competitiveness.
Addressing Export Challenges
The workshop also examined key challenges affecting exports from Himachal Pradesh. Participants discussed issues related to market access, logistics, product aggregation, post-harvest management, cold-chain infrastructure, and compliance with international quality standards.
Industry representatives emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among government agencies, exporters, processing units, and farmer groups to overcome these challenges effectively.
Platform for Stakeholder Collaboration
The Himachal Processed Food Export Workshop served as an important platform for dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders. Participants agreed that coordinated efforts are essential to unlock the export potential of Himachal Pradesh’s horticulture sector.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Tarun Bajaj, who appreciated the contributions of all participants and highlighted the importance of building a strong export ecosystem in the state.
Additionally, representatives from industry bodies, export promotion councils, FPOs, exporters, and a large number of farmers attended the workshop.
Key Points of the news:
- APEDA and HPMC organized the Himachal Processed Food Export Workshop in Fagu, Shimla.
- The workshop focused on boosting exports of horticultural and processed food products.
- Officials highlighted global opportunities for Himachal’s organic fruits and value-added products.
- Discussions covered exports of plums, peaches, apricots, cherries, juices, jams, and processed foods.
- Stakeholders emphasized improving market access, logistics, branding, and export infrastructure.
