NO

CURRENT STATUS

STATEMENT OF ACTUAL INVESTMENT AND EXPORTS FROM SANCTIONED 60 AGRI EXPORT ZONES

(MARCH 2008)

S No

State

AEZ Project

State and Districts

Actual Exports

Actual Investments

(Rs. Cr.)

(Rs. Cr.)

1

West Bengal

Pineapple

West Bengal (Darjeeling, Uttar Dinajpur, Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri

0.20

78.69

Lychee

West Bengal (Districts of Murshidabad Malda, 24 Pargana (N) and 24 Pargana(s)

3.30

0.93

Potatoes

West Bengal (Districts of Hoogly, Burdwan, Midnapore (W) Uday Narayanpur and Howrah)

3.72

0.15

Mango

W. Bengal (Malda and Murshidabad)

74.00

3.58

Vegetables

W Bengal (Nadia, Murshidabad) and North 24 Parganas

4.43

0.12

Darjeeling Tea

West Bengal (Darjeeling)

0.00

0.00

Sub total

85.65

83.47

2

Karnataka

Gherkins

Karnataka (Tumkur, Bangalore Urban Bangalore, Rural, Hassan, Kolar, Chitradurga, Dharwad and Bagalkot)

1237.05

87.34

Rose Onion

Karnataka (Bangalore Urban

Bangalore (Rural), Kolar

276.00

0.13

Flowers

Karnataka (Bangalore(Urban)

Bangalore(Rural), Kolar, Tumkur, Kodagu and Belgaum

31.74

3.57

Vanilla

Karnataka (Districts of Dakshin Kannada, Uttara Kannada, Udupi, Shimoga, Kodagu, Chickamagalur)

0.00

0.00

Sub total

1544.79

91.04

3

Uttranchal

Lychee

Uttranchal (Udhamsingh Nagar, Nainital and Dehradun)

2.45

3.72

Flowers

Uttranchal (Districts of Dehradun, Pantnagar)

0.04

10.19

Basmati rice

Uttranchal (Districts of Udham Singh Nagar, Nainital, Dehradun and Haridwar)

0.00

0.39

Medicinal & Aromatic Plants

Uttaranchal (Districts of Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Pithoragarh, Dehradun and Nainital)

1.00

0.00

Sub total

3.49

14.30

4

Punjab

Vegetables

Punjab (Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, Sangrur, Ropar and Ludhiana)

0.03

35.75

Potatoes

Punjab (Singhpura Zirakpur (Patiala) Rampura Phul, Muktsar, Ludhiana, Jullunder

2.80

8.46

Basmati Rice

Punjab (Districts of Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur and Nawanshahar)

1521.00

5.27

Sub total

1523.83

49.48

5

Uttar Pradesh

Potatoes

Uttar Pradesh (Agra, Hathras, Farrukhabad, Kannoj, Meerut, Aligarh and Bagpat)

7.00

0.97

Mangoes and Vegetables

Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow, Unnao, Hardoi, Sitapur and Barabanki)

0.47

20.89

Mangoes

Uttar Pradesh (Saharanpur, Muzzfarnagar, Bijnaur, Meerut, Bhagpat and Bulandshahar)

12.49

16.99

Basmati Rice

Uttar Pradesh (Districts of Bareilly, Shahajahanpur, Pilibhit, Rampur, Badaun, Bijnor, Moradabad, J B Phulenagar, Saharanpur, Mujjafarnagar, Meerut, Bulandshahar, Ghaziabad)

0.00

0.47

Sub total

19.96

39.32

6

Maharash

tra

Grape and grapewine

Maharashtra (Nasik, Sanghli, Pune, Satara, Ahmednagar and Sholapur)

384.67

110.17

Mango

(Alphonso)

Maharashtra (Districts of Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Raigarh and Thane)

123.00

36.86

Kesar Mango

Maharashtra (Districts of Aurangabad, Beed, Jalna, Ahmednagar and Latur)

12.17

3.43

Flowers

Maharashtra (Pune, Nasik, Kolhapur and Sangli)

35.50

168.00

Onions

Maharashtra (Districts of Nasik, Ahmednagar, Pune, Satara, Jalgaon and Solapur)

588.00

38.33

Pomegranate

Districts of Solapur, Sangli, Ahmednagar, Pune, Nasik, Osmanabad & Latur

20.24

1.53

Banana

Jalgaon, Dhule, Nandurbar, Buldhana, Parbhani, Hindoli, Nanded and Wardha

0.04

6.99

Oranges

Nagpur and Amraoti

2.72

0.01

Sub total

1166.34

365.32

7

Andhra Pradesh

Mango Pulp &

Fresh Veg.

Andhra Pradesh (Chittoor District)

2736.03

91.40

Mango and Grapes

Andhra Pradesh (Districts of Ranga Reddy, Medak and Parts of Mahaboobngar Districts)

18.29

57.21

Mango

Andhra Pradesh (Krishna District)

2.75

17.90

Gherkins

Andhra Pradesh (Districts of Mahboobnagar, Rangareddy, Medak, Karimnagar, Warangal, Ananthapur and Nalgonda)

44.52

20.05

Chilli

Guntur

51.00

20.32

Sub total

2852.59

206.88

8

Jammu & Kashmir

Apple

Jammu and Kashmir (Districts of Srinagar, Baramula, Anantnag, Kupwara, Badgaum and Pulwama)

124.72

6.71

Walnuts

Jammu & Kashmir Region- Baramulla, Anantnag, Pulwama, Budgam, Kupwara and Srinagar) (Jammu Region

- Doda, Poonch, Udhampur, Rajouri and Kathua)

552.21

14.14

Sub total

676.93

20.85

9

Tripura

Organic pineapple

Tripura (Kumarghat, Manu, Melaghar, Matabari and Kakraban Blocks

0.00

7.62

Sub total

0.00

7.62

10

Madhya Pradesh

Potatoes

Onion

Garlic

Madhya Pradesh (Malwa, Ujjain, Indore, Dewas, Dhar, Shajajpur, Ratlam, Neemuch and Mandsaur)

15.99

42.64

Seed Spices

Madhya Pradesh (Districts of Guna, Mandsaur, Ujjain, Rajgarh, Ratlam, Shajapur and Neemuch)

38.43

4.55

Wheat (Duram)

Madhya Pradesh

(Three distinct and contiguous zones :-

Ujjain Zone comprising of Neemach, Ratlam, Mandsaur and Ujjain

Indore Zone comprising of Indore, Dhar, Shajapur and Dewas

Bhopal Division, comprising of Sehore, Vidisha, Raisen, Hoshangabad, Harda, Narsinghpur and Bhopal

21.00

4.71

Lentil and Grams

Shivpuri, Guna, Vidisha, Raisen, Narsinghpura, Chhindwara

0.00

0.00

Oranges

Chhindwara.Hoshangabad. Betul

0.00

8.90

Sub total

75.42

60.80

11

Tamil Nadu

Flower

Tamil Nadu (Dharmapuri)

39.40

22.47

Flowers

Tamil Nadu (Nilgiri District)

44.56

5.50

Mangoes

Tamil Nadu (Districts of Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, Virudhunagar and Tirunelveli)

0.00

0.81

Cashewnut

Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Pudukottai and Sivaganga

18.33

0.00

Sub total

102.29

28.78

12

Bihar

Lychee, Vegetables & Honey

Bihar (Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Hajipur, Vaishali, East and West Champaran, Bhagalpur, Begulsarai, Khagaria, Sitamarhi, Saran and Gopalganj)

5.87

20.10

Sub total

5.87

20.10

13

Gujarat

Mango and Vegetables

Gujarat (Districts of Ahmedabad, Khadia, Anand, Vadodra, Surat, Navsari, Valsad, Bharuch and Narmada)

1.65

16.66

Value Added Onion

Gujarat (Districts of Bhavnagar, Surendranagar, Amreli, Rajkot, Junagadh and Jamnagar Districts)

300.49

13.67

Sesame Seeds

Amerali, Bhavnagar, Surendranagar, Rajkot, Jamnagar

0.00

0.00

Sub total

302.14

30.31

14

Sikkim

Flowers

(Orchids) and Cherry Pepper

Sikkim (East Sikkim)

0.00

1.15

Ginger

Sikkim (North, East, South & West Sikkim)

0.00

0.00

Sub total

0.00

1.15

15

Himachal Pradesh

Apples

Himachal Pradesh (Shimla, Sirmour, Kullu, Mandi, Chamba and Kinnaur)

0.00

0.00

Sub total

0.00

0.00

16

Orissa

Ginger and Turmeric

Orissa (Kandhamal District)

1.76

0.00

Sub total

1.76

0.00

17

Jharkhand

Vegetables

Jharkhand (Ranchi, Hazaribagh and Lohardaga)

0.00

0.00

Sub total

0.00

0.00

18

Kerala

Horticulture Products

Kerala (Districts of Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kottayaam, Alappuzha, Pathanumthitta, Kollam, Thiruvanthapuram, Idukki and Palakkod)

2277.79

3.10

Medicinal Plant

Wayanad, Mallapuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kollam, Pathanamittha, Thiruvananthapuram

0.00

0.00

Sub total

2277.79

3.10

19

Assam

Fresh & Processed Ginger

Assam (Kamrup, Nalbari, Barpeta, Darrang, Nagaon, Morigaon, Karbi Anglong and North Cachar districts)

2.17

3.15

Sub total

2.17

3.15

20

Rajasthan

Coriander

Kota, Bundi, Baran, Jhalawar & Chittoor

23.40

44.53

Cumin

Nagaur, Barmer, Jalore, Pali and Jodhpur

26.54

27.33

Sub total

49.94

71.86

TOTAL

10690.96

1097.53

ACTUAL EXPORTS

Rs. 10690.96 Crores

ACTUAL INVESTMENTSRs. 1097.53 Crores

AGRI EXPORT ZONES SANCTIONED SO FAR

- Functional Status of 60 AEZs

1.AGRI EXPORT ZONE FOR PINEAPLE IN WEST BENGAL

· In view of the international demand for processed pineapple products and also on account of the concentration of pineapple (Kew variety) growing in the district of Siliguri and Jalpaiguri of West Bengal, a proposal was mooted for setting up such a zone. This project entailed development of the produce through research and extension by a dedicated team of personnel, setting up of processing plants by private entrepreneurs and concerted market efforts. In this AEZ, the total investment of Rs. 3559.00 lakhs was envisaged, out of which Rs. 3144.00 lakhs was to come from the private entrepreneurs for setting up of processing plants. The remaining amount was to come from various Government Agencies like Ministry of Food Processing Industries, National Horticulture Board, Ministry of Agriculture and APEDA. This investment was anticipated to lead to projected exports of around Rs. 127 crores in the next 5 years.

Present status:

· Farmers have been identified in the Zone and necessary training imparted to them on pre and post harvest protocols. Training material has been prepared in local language and distributed. This has resulted in enhanced productivity due to high density plantation and control over the diseases.

· In the year 2004-05, an area of 210 ha. has been brought under high density plantation and assured system of irrigation under the scheme of “Development of commercial horticulture through pre and post harvest management” of National Horticulture Board (NHB).

· To ensure smooth supply of the raw materials to the processing units a Special Committee has been formed comprising of members representing UBKV, NABARD, UBKGB, ICAR, Department of FPI&H, Dabur, Calypso.The State Horticulture Research Station at Mohitnagar, Jalpaiguri is engaged in the production of planting materials from pineapple suckers. The Queen variety is being tried on one acre plot. A project on drip irrigation will be implemented shortly.

· Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) and the Department have jointly submitted a project viz. “IT – based Horticultural Extension Education for Agri-Business in North Bengal” to the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Government of India. The project will be taken up on a pilot basis and will assist the pineapple growers in receiving timely and relevant information. The infrastructure would include V-SAT, Interactive Voice Response Service and Agri Information portal anchored on local language. CDAC would act as the executing agency and would maintain an interactive multimedia based educational material for this proposed information dissemination-cum-learning services. Space Application Centre, Ahmedabad has agreed to provide free transponder for this scheme.

· M/s Dabur Private Limited have completed their multi-fruit (mainly pineapple) processing unit at Jalpaiguri to process 160 MTs of pineapples daily with an investment of around Rs. 18.47 crores. The unit is likely to produce 2300 MTs of fruit-pulp and concentrate with a revenue generation of Rs. 15.00 crores annually. Of Rs. 15.00 crores estimated revenue, the domestic market is likely to contribute Rs. 9.00 crores and the rest is expected to come from exports.

· M/s. Calypso Bengal Foods Pvt. Ltd. with an estimated project of Rs. 9.00 crores approximately for the first phase is setting up a state of art pineapple processing unit at Bidhan Nagar, Siliguri. This unit has come forward to invest in this region after the development of AEZ for Pineapples in the State and has started to function commercially from February 2006. The company has started a partnership programme with the farmers in which approximately 700 farmers have been registered. A memebership card has been handed over to each registered farmer giving details of land ownership, production etc. The company is also encouraging farmers to introduce gherkins as intercrop in pineapple fields. It will be a joint venture with the West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation. They have processed 80 MT of pineapple for test marketing to Europe and Japan and the result is very encouraging. Their marketing partner from Germany has also visited the pineapple growing area in West Bengal.

· M/s. Poddar Fruits and Vegetables Products Pvt. Ltd. have set up a canned fruits processing unit at Coochbehar with an investment of Rs. 2.18 crores.

· M/s. B.J. Enterprise, Mohitnagar, Jalpaiguri is setting up a processing unit for pineapples (337MT/year) and tomato (90MT/year). Project cost of the unit is Rs. 0.81 crores.

· Eleven multipurpose cold storages at total cost of Rs. 44.80 crores have been set up in this AEZ. In addition seven potato cold storages at an invest ment of Rs. 32. 31 crores have also been set up in this zone

· M/s. Pataka Food Products Pvt. Ltd is reported to have exported 12 tonnes of raw pineapple during last year.

· A laboratory at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidhyalaya has been sanctioned by APEDA with funding of Rs. 362.00 lakhs.

· Jadavpur University has undertaken a research on appropriate processed pineapple products for domestic and export markets during 2004-05, which is continuing. The project aims at the development of the following products – pineapple sauce, dehydrated pineapple, osmotic dehydrated pineapple, freeze dried pineapple, spray-dried pineapple, pineapple candy, anaerobic fermentation of waste juice. Of these, pineapple sauce and osmotically dried pineapples have been prepared and standardized under optimum conditions.

· APEDA has approved the proposal of Rs. 675.00 lakhs for setting up of Centre for perishable cargo at International Airport, Kolkata. The project is likely to benefit export of pineapples apart from other products.

· Perishable Cargo Complex at Bagdogra Airport – estimated cost Rs. 299.40 lakhs and Post Harvest Handling cum Auction Centre at North Bengal – estimated cost Rs. 1206.69 lakhs are being undertaken as a part of the infrastructure development in this AEZ.

· APEDA has also received a proposal for setting up of Centre for Perishable Cargo at Haldia Seaport, Distt. Purba Medinipur in W.B., which is likely to benefit the export of Pineapples and Potatoes.

· The total exports are Rs. 0.20 crores.

· The total investment of Rs. 78.69 crores has been achieved.

2.AGRI EXPORT ZONE FOR LITCHI IN UTTARANCHAL

· This project entails a total investment of Rs. 8.7 Crores out of which around Rs. 3.44 Crores will come by way of investment from private entrepreneurs and the remaining amount is proposed to the sourced from various Central and Government Agencies like Ministry of Agriculture, UTDASP, National Horticulture Board, Ministry of Food Processing Industry and APEDA. It is expected that this investment would lead to an export of around Rs. 38.20 Crores in the next 5 years.

· The project centers around improving the productivity and quality of litchi and for further value addition through processing before export. In view of the limited period of availability of litchi, the pack house set up for this purpose will also be utilized for packing and processing vegetables produced in the hinterland.

Present Status:

· MOU with the State Government was signed on 22nd September 2001

· 17 applications from entrepreneurs were received, out of which, only 4 were short listed and out of these 4 applications, only 2 companies have set up their pack houses with a private investment of Rs. 118 lakhs and APEDA’s contribution of Rs. 45.70 lakhs .

· APEDA had issued in principle approval on 21/03/2002 for a sum of Rs. 42,52,900/- under its scheme of R&D to M/s G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology.

· 30 farmers were sent for practical training on pre and post harvest practices to the farm and processing unit of M/s. Radha Krishna Impex, Muzaffarpur (Bihar) . It is proposed to send 21 farmers each to Murshidabad , West Bengal and Muzaffarpur , Bihar during the current year again

· 15 training programmes were organized in which 700 farmers participated

· Three training programmes were organized at Pant Nagar University for the officers of Department of Horticulture. 75 farmers have so far been imparted training.

· Mr. Christian Didier of M/s. Cirad Flohr, France visited Uttaranchal a number of times to provide useful inputs for pre harvest and harvest management to the farmers as well as to the exporters.

· 9 more entrepreneurs were short listed under the AEZ. MoU with the private entrepreneurs have been signed on 27/02/2003. (4 pack house, 2 processing units are likely to be set up during the current year).

· Mr. Tarun Gautam, M/s Imaginations Agri Export and Mr. Ravinder Singh Randhawa, M/s. BG Agri Exports visited Dubai during March to finalize the export tie-ups.

· Mr. Sudhir Chadha visited Netherlands in March and Brussels in Belgium in April for finalizing the contracts for exports.

· Exporters have planned that one of them will go to Dubai to look after the marketing of the litchi there.

· The export targets from Uttaranchal are fixed as 136 MT in this year. (Details enclosed)

· The National Litchi Day on and a meeting held on 10th May at Balbeer Garden Choi with Director Horticulture, Coordinator, Agri Export Development Unit (AEDU) and President All India Litchi Growers Association to finalize the exports.

· The plastic crates subsidized by NHB are being distributed to the farmers and will be completed by month end.

· Organized meetings with litchi growers and exporters to fix the prices at which different grades litchi is to be purchased from the farmers.

· Investment opportunities brochure is under the process of publishing.

Export strategies for litchi:

· The AEDU shall be putting more emphasis to the exporters of fresh litchi to send their produce by refer containers so that the shelf life and the quality of the produce is enhanced.

· Also, for increased shelf life and quality, experiments on CA transportation shall be conducted. It has been planned that at least one CA container shall be dispatched.

· In order to have the continuous presence in the international market with impact and remain competitive with the Thailand litchis, a strong need for a consolidation setup at Dubai and other destination is felt. In continuation of this Mr. Sudhir Chadha, President of UAEA has told that they are sending two persons for this year export, one for Dubai and one for Belgium & Netherlands.

· Some of the vegetables have been identified to have a strong international demand. So, AEDU is trying to promote the following vegetables to exports from this area.

· Ethnic vegetables- Okra, Bitter gourd, Pointed gourd etc.

· Continental vegetables- Snow peas, sugar snaps, fine beans, baby corn, sweet corn

· It is planned to improve the packaging of litchi by development of new packaging material and techniques so that the product becomes more acceptable in international markets.

· In order to promote the UA brand and gain more market, AEDU is planning to organize buyer seller meet and similar exercises have to be repeated in countries like Netherlands, Dubai, Belgium and UK with the help of APEDA.

· Quality has to be improved so that more markets may be tapped and better prices may be fetched. In this regard, series of workshop and seminars have been conducted on different quality standards like ISO, HACCP, EUREPGAP etc.

Review meeting for financial year 2005-06

A meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Chairman APEDA on 12/12/2005 at Dehradun and the following was observed:

· The export performance of fresh and processed litchis is a under:

Year

2002

2003

2004

2005

Qty. in MTs

9.25

73.00

164.20

34.00

FoB Value

(in Rs. Lakhs)

5.55

43.80

98.52

20.40

The export performance has declined and the reason given was that the farmers / contractors are comfortable in selling the produce in the domestic market as they are getting better prices.

Importers look for consistent quality and reliable supplier base. They look forward to year round presence irrespective of prices whether they are high or low. Any break in the supplies would mean to make fresh efforts to recapture the market.

· Due to APEDA’s initiative a French expert was deputed to give pre and post harvest training on the practices to be followed by the growers in the State of Uttaranchal during 2001 & 2002. These packages of practices need to be adhered to strictly.

· It was also noted from the Exporters representing Litchi & MAPS Agri-Export Zones present in the meeting that they are facing problems in execution of buy-back assurances given by them to the Farmers. While the selling price of Farmer's produce is lower in the domestic market, he readily honours the Buy-back arrangement between him & the Exporter. However, when the price in the Domestic market is higher, the Farmer does not honour the commitment reached and sells off his produce in the domestic market.

For the financial year 2006-07. The litchi export target is 100 tonnes (processed and fresh litchis). This year an attempt has been made to send one reefer container of fresh litchis from the State of Uttaranchal.

· The total exports are 2.45 crores.

· The total investment of Rs. 3.72 crores has been achieved.

3.AGRI EXPORT ZONE FOR GHERKINS IN KARNATAKA

· This project initially envisaged an investment of Rs.10.95 crores, of which Rs.7.75 crores was expected from Private Sector & Rs.3.20 crores from Central Government.

· Additional exports worth Rs.35.25 Crores were expected in the next 5 years. This projection could go up if the duties imposed by the European Union on Gherkins are brought down.

· The primary focus of the project is towards pest and disease management, productivity enhancement and post harvest handling, apart from emphasis on marketing the product

Present Status:

· MOU signed on 19th September 2001

· A research project was sanctioned by APEDA for Pest and Disease Management and awarded to University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, The project has been completed with success.

· KAPPEC arranged to release booklets (both in English and Kannada) on the Integrated Pest Management for the benefit of farmers as well as the extension staff of the gherkin industry. The booklets were distributed free of cost t o the farmers and also the gherkin industry

· APEDA’s efforts and initiatives have resulted in removal of Import Duty on gherkins in USA .

· Scale of finance for gherkin crop was fixed at Rs. 18000 per acre to facilitate farmers to raise loans easily. The number of farmers who benefit under the AEZ are 41,606 small and marginal farmers covering an area of 39,178 acres, under contract farming system.

· The roads were identified in the AEZ area and the details were given to the State Govt. Almost all roads in AEZ areas have been developed under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PGSY), Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) from NABARD and also under the regular budgets from the Public Works Department of the Govt. of Karnataka.

· Kissan Credit Cards to farmers have been issued on priority to facilitate them to raise crop loans.

· An Investment of Rs.86.64 crores has been made in the private sector in the AEZ.

· Almost all the gherkin-processing units are connected with the industrial feeder lines from rural feeder lines, so that they get quality power supply to their processing units.

· Fixation of standard input-output norms for duty-free import of inputs has been notified by office of the Development Commissioner, Cochin Special Economic Zone, Bangalore (vide order no.3/14/96-EOU:CSEZ dt. 18.08.2003).

· Presently 24 gherkins units engaged in the production, procurement, processing and exports. A total of 9 units have been set up after the signing of MoU.

· Only crop successfully grown under contract farming system.

· Export are affected both in bulk as well as in convenient consumer packs (in bottles).

· Exemption from the payment of market cess fro purchase of gherkins directly from farmers for exports.

· Shriram Institute of Agricultural Research, Bangalore, have completed the project on Pesticide Residue Testing equipments with financial assistance from APEDA .

· KAPPEC Participated in the India International Trade Fair – 2004 held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 14-27 November, 2004 highlighting on gherkins.

· KAPPEC took part in Krishi Expo – 2005 held at New Delhi from 9 – 13 March, 2005 and highlighting the gherkin crop and displayed variety of gherkin samples.

· Six training programs have been organized by KAPPEC in close association with APEDA, IGEA, UAS (B), IIHR, Dept.of Horticulture, Govt. of Karnataka. However, the training process to farmers in the gherkin industry is an ongoing process throughout the year through the extension staff of each of the gherkin units who will impart extension services to gherkin farmers regularly.

· The Government of Karnataka announced exemption of market cess for all the AEZs in the state including the one on gherkins on 11th March 2003.

· A Research Project has been envisaged on “Standardisation of Production Technology for Export Quality Gherkins”, for which a MoU is likely to be signed between the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore and APEDA.

· All the gherkin units have their own cold storage facility, based on their requirements, and facility for packing gherkins, either in bulk or in consumer jars.

· The total exports are 1237.05 crores.

· A total investment of Rs. 87.74 Crores has been made in the AEZ.

4.AGRI EXPORT ZONES FOR MANGOES AND VEGETABLES IN UTTAR PRADESH (LUCKNOW)

· The project envisages an investment of Rs. 44.71 crore, out which Rs. 16.48 crore will come from various central and state government agencies and Rs 28.23 Cr from the private sector.

· Incremental exports of mango and mango products worth Rs. 170.82 crore are expected in the next five years. Around 600 farmers would be benefited under this AEZ.

Present Status:

· MOU for this Agri Export Zone was signed on 7th Nov. 2001

· 383 farmers identified for focused approach for promoting exports from the Zone. Central Institute for Subtropical horticulture (CISH) imparting training to farmers on pre and post harvest practices.

· Minimum 50 farmers per distt. Under AEZ were selected for training every year.

· According to training modules four programmes-three on pre-harvest and one for post harvest management are conducted. All the information regarding crop management is provided to the farmers & in this training programme 300 trainees have been benefited from AEZ, Lucknow.

· Vrindavan Botlars Pvt Ltd, Lucknow was selected as entrepreneur.

· Pest/Disease control are a part of training program.

· CISH, Lucknow is undertaking research with regard to pest risk analysis, fruit fly infestation, blackening of mangoes & rejuvenation of old orchards. NHB is assisting State Government in developing IPM protocols and internal necrosis of fruits.

· A pack house has been established in Rahmankheda at a cost of Rs 1.48 Crores with APEDA’s assistance. Ripening chamber added in the pack house.

· Another pack house has been established at Kursi Road Food Park Lucknow.

· PPMS Nursery established at Malihabad.

· Post harvest Management Centre established at Malihabad and Lucknow.

· Food Analytical Research Centre has been established in Lucknow.

· Road Linkage to Mandi is in progress under UPDASP.

· Mandi Tax Exempted for mangoes.

· 40 Ton mangoes have been exported to London and Dubai.

· Subsidy of Rs.10/kg or 25%, which ever is less, are given to exporters.

· 25% Subsidy are being provided on Area Expansion/Rejuvenation to farmers.

· Brand promotion of U P Mango was done in Hyderabad & Kolkata till July.

· Walk-in type cold storage established at Airport.

· Exports to the tune of 87 MTs have been executed from the Lucknow AEZ directly and mangoes of U.P. exported through exporters of Mumbai during the year 2003.

· The Government of U.P. has also provided transport subsidy for exports of mangoes from the State @ Rs 5/Kg.

· Under AEZ an extensive programme for rejuvenation of the old mango trees is being implemented. State Govt. is providing Rs.10, 000/Ha for rejuvenation of orchards.

· State Nodal agency for AEZ has been sanctioned 15000 plastic crates by NHB under their financial scheme for using them as intermediate packaging for transports.

· The UP Horticulture Marketing Federation have provided good quality pesticides to the farmers for controlling of pests and diseases in the AEZ.

· About 200 ha. Mango orchards were selected under area expansion programme. State Govt. is providing subsidy @ Rs 5,000/Ha for area expansion.

· The State Government of Uttar Pradesh has sanctioned Rs. 412.40 lacs for development of drain of 1800 mtr and Rs. 282.50 lacs for construction of road at Kursi Road Industrial Park as informed to this office vide letter no. 582/18-4-2007-12 (ASIDE)/06 dt. 9th March, 2007.

· The total exports are Rs. 0.47 crores.

· The total investment of Rs. 20.89 crores has been achieved.

5.AGRI EXPORT ZONES FOR POTATOES IN UTTAR PRADESH

· The project envisages an investment of Rs.10.41 crore Out of this amount, Rs.8.93 crore will come from central and state government agencies and Rs 0.24 Cr will be invested by State Government

· Exports worth Rs. 555 crores of potatoes is expected from this AEZ It is expected that value realization in the domestic market will also improve.

· Around 800 farmers are likely to be benefited.

Present Status:

· The MOU for setting up this zone was signed between APEDA and State government on 7th Nov 2001

· A quantity of 2000 Mts has been exported during 2003-04 for Rs.1.20 Crores.

· M/s Bankey Bihari ji India Ltd. has conducted a feasibility study to set up a processing unit in Agra. Unit is being commissioned by December 2004

· 1250 farmers have been identified and necessary assistance has already been given for organizing training programmes. Schedule to provide 27 training programmes, 18 for pre-harvest management & 9 for post-harvest management.

· Pest Survey and Surveillance has been carried by Directorate of Horticulture.

· Required seed for crop was distributed and arrangements are now being made for domestic sale and export of coming crop season.

· UP HORTIFED is exploring export possibilities of potatoes to UAE and Sri Lanka.

· Govt. of UP has extended transport subsidy of Rs.0.25 per Kg. for domestic sales and Rs.1.00 per Kg. for export .

· Potato graders are being installed by the state government as a central facility with 25% financial assistance from APEDA. 6 Potato graders have been supplied each at Meerut, Firozabad, Aligarh, Kanouj, Hathras & Agra.

· Potato workshop and a BSM organized in 2002,and a BSM in Kolkatta organized in May, 2003.

· International Potato Conference & Buyer-Seller meet organized on 11th March 2003 at Delhi.

· International Potato workshop at CPRI Campus every year in March.

· Transport subsidy provided. Out of the earmarked 7 crores, Rs.35 lakhs distributed.

· Exports worth Rs.7 Crores were affected from this zone since declaration.

· The total investment in the zone stands at Rs. 0.97 Crores.

6.AGRI EXPORT ZONE FOR VEGETABLES IN PUNJAB

The AEZ entails an investment of Rs.26.77 crores. Out of this, the Government contribution is Rs.11.83 crores and private sector contribution is Rs.14.94 crores.

An incremental export of around Rs. 129 crores is envisaged.

1500 farmers are likely to benefit and direct employment of 500-750 persons is expected

Present Status:

MOU for the zone was signed on 29th Oct 2001

5 vegetable processing units have been set up with an investment of Rs. 33 crore .

Seeds have been supplied to the contract farmers who are growing vegetable in 500 acres of land.

Rs. 0.65 crores worth exports of vegetables have been undertaken since the setting up of the AEZ .

Steps are being initiated for creation of a marketing hub in U.K., and Dubai.

State Government is also providing the grant up to Rs. 5000 per product for development of packaging as per International standards. In addition state has also made provision for providing 25% of the actual custom duty paid with a cap of Rs. 25 lakh.

Rs. 50 lakh have been sanctioned by APEDA for setting up of mechanized handling facility and Rs. 25 lakhs have been provided as financial assistance for setting up of cold storage.

The Government approved the proposal of Idma Laboratories, an NRI Group, for setting up an Integrated Horticulture Processing unit at district Fatehgrah Sahib which would service horticulturists in the agri export zone, comprising districts of Fatehgarh Sahib, Ropar, Patiala, Ludhiana and Nawashahr.

Food Processing facility comprising over 10,000 sq meters of built-up area and the latest state-of-blast freezing, spiral freezing, integrated quick freeze and vacuum sterilization and packaging is being set up in this AEZ. The unit require dedicated crops grown in an area of 20,00 acre in the agri export zone districts. The unit also provide input support in the form of seeds, nursery seedling and financial support to participating farmers and would focus on small and marginal farmers. The project investment was currently in excess of Rs.25 crore and was expected to reach Rs.100 crores in the next 2-3 years.

· The total exports are 0.03 crores.

· The total investment of Rs. 35.75 crores has been achieved.

7.AGRI EXPORT ZONE FOR POTATOES IN PUNJAB

This project entails a total investment of Rs.10.41 crore out of which Rs.8.19 crore will be provided by various Central Government Agencies.

The AEZ would result in incremental exports of Rs. 393.75 Crs.

This project is to be implemented in two stages. Table variety potatoes and potato seeds will be exported in the 1st phase and the processed potato products will be exported in the 2nd phase.

Present Status:

The MOU for this zone was signed on 20th Dec. 2001.

500 farmers have been identified for this zone for conducting training programmes and for the same an amount of Rs.2.4 lakhs has been sanctioned in the first year and Rs.3 lakhs has been sanctioned in the second year of operation.

During 2002 & 2003 Markfed have exported potatoes worth Rs 75 Lakhs.. In year 2004-05 Marked has exported 25 Mts. of Potatoes from the zone FOB realization was to the tune of Rs.4/kg.

Export of Potato seeds and tubers worth Rs.1.54 crores in 2004-2005 and Rs.54 lakhs in 2003-2004 has taken place from a joint venture between Australian Co. Techno-tubes & Chambal Agritech Unit.

Punjab Markfed has signed an MoU with M/s HPMI – Mark Hort. Potatoes India Ltd. The company will execute the export orders for Srilanka and UAE and Doha.

APEDA has approved total financial assistance of an amount of Rs.289.68 lakh, out of which Rs.4.38 lakh is for pre and post harvest training and Rs.4.30 lakhs for feasibility of AEZ and Rs.281 lakhs for common infrastructure facilities.

Under Infrastructure development scheme Common infrastructure facilities for handling perishable horticulture products like fruits & vegetables with a total capacity of storing 2500 Mts is being set up by Markfed. Total project cost at todays cost is Rs 846 Lakhs .While APEDA is providing 75% of total cost of Plant & Machinery project i.e. Rs.2.81 crores to Punjab Markfed. The project was held up due to cancellation of original Land site allotted at Singhpura, (Zirakpur) Now that the issue is settled by allocation of land at Dhindori kalan , Ludhiana. The construction of facility was inaugerated on 17.1.06 and is expected to be completed by June 2006.

The issue of Exports of potatoes to Germany has also being taken up by Markfed with MoA through Punjab Agri University Ludhiana for clearance of Phytosanitory requirements of EU countries. With the Phyto sanitory clearance , It is expected the AEZ will be able to generate exports of 10000 Mts ( Worth App Rs 15 Crores ) by year 2007

55 progressive farmers growing potatoes in 8000 Acres of land have attained EurepGap certificate

· The total exports are 2.80 crores.

· The total investment of Rs. 8.46 crores has been achieved.

8.AGRI EXPORT ZONE FOR FLOWERS (TANFLORA) IN TAMIL NADU

· This project entails a total investment of Rs. 24.85 crores with a contribution of Rs. 3.48 crores from the Central Government. In this project, Central Govt. assistance had already been given to the project and consequent to the declaration of this project as an Agri Export Zone, the product became eligible for certain fiscal incentives as well.

· It was expected that the export of flowers during the next five years would be more than Rs. 158.76 crores.

Present Status:

· MOU signed on 20th March 2002.

· 15 Farmers who has taken up 30 hectares (2 Ha/Unit) in the PARK going to be trained in Hitech Floriculture training programme by the PARK expertise.

· TANFLORA & TIDCO preparing the calendar for imparting training programme.

· TIDCO along with TANFLORA preparing the training module. Once the construction of Poly-house of the individual grower who purchased the park unit is over the training planned to be imparted.

· Planting material is available in the Tanflora park model nursery unit and also in the region for the growers.

· R&D activities as per the M/s TANFLORA and grower requirement for the zone is going to be taken up by horticulture Research Station, Paiyur, Dharampur district.

· Monitored periodically by TANFLORA Infrastructure Park staff with Horticulture Department Technical Assistance and Horticultural Research station, Paiyur.

· 198.73 acres of Private Land acquired by the TANFLORA company and Central Packing House completed.

· 15 Grower Park units of 2 hectares each have started construction of the poly-houses.

· TNEB power connection has been obtained for 50 Hectares of area covered under Poly house cultivation for production of Fresh cut roses.

· Total exports are Rs. 39.40 crores. Cut flowers have been exported to Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai, Jeddah, Riyadh, UK, Germany and Australia.

· The investment level of Rs. 22.47 crores has been achieved.

Status of the project as on 15/03/2006 is as under:

1. State-of-the art Central Packing House, admeasuring 80,000 sq.ft., fully insulated is built for processing the flowers. Company is in the process of establishing pre-cool facilities.

2. All the 25 growers have been allotted area of 2 hectares each (total 50 hectares) and poly-houses are under construction.

3. 70 new rose varieties of Olij Rozen, Holland, have been planted and some more new varieties are arriving.

4. 7.5 km length of internal roads & 20 km length of storm water drains and CD works have been completed. 20 bore-wells are dug-up. Being in AEZ, the State Government has laid approach road to the project and permitted company to draw water from adjoining lake.

5. Since APEDA has supported the project, State Bank of India has sanctioned term loans to Tanflora and all the units at a concessional rate of interest.

6. Orders have been placed by the growers for import of fertigation systems from Netafim & plastic sheets from Israel (total cost of these facilities is about Rs.5.00 crores).

7. 71 lakh liters storage capacity steel water tanks have been imported from Holland.

8. Project is scheduled to achieve commercial production by October, 2006 and by March, 2007, Tanflora is expected to produce and export about 6 million stems.

9. The Model Unit production is programmed for Valentine season and flush is coming up very well. From the Model Unit, Tanflora has exported 1,50,000 stems to Germany, Singapore, Australia and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and also exporting additional quantities by outsourcing. Tanflora has coordinated exports to the tune of 25 lakh stems from Krishnagiri AEZ for this Valentine season.

9.AGRI EXPORT ZONE FOR GRAPE AND GRAPE WINE IN MAHARASHTRA

· The project in the first stage, entails a total cost of Godavari Wine Park, Vinchur, Nashik is Rs. 9.37 crore & Krishna Wine Park, Palus, Sangali is Rs. 18.37 crore. out of which Rs.4.00 crore for each Park will come from various Central Govt. agencies like APEDA, National Horticulture Board, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, and Ministry of Agriculture. The rest of the expenditure will be borne by the State Government.

· The AEZ would lead to exports of Rs.68.47 Crores.

· It was also proposed to setup Maharashtra Grape Board (MGB), an autonomous development agency, which will work as a facilitator to ensure a smooth and orderly development of the grape & grape wine industry in the state.

Present Status:

· The MOU for this Agri Export Zone was signed on 7th Jan 2002

· 120 application have been Finalised by MIDC (the Nodal Agency) from entrepreneurs for plots for Wine Park and the plots are allotted

· 474 farmers have also been identified by the State Government for intensive training. 92 training programmes organized to cover 5042 farmers.

· MIDC has allotted 2,000 Sq. Mtrs. Plot to M/s. Vinchur Grape Wine & Krishna Wine Park.

· 80 hectare of land is developed at Palus area where roads are constructed.

· A Project has also been sanctioned for evolving new varieties of processing grapes as well.

· Grape wine is exported from this zone from the year 2003-2004 onwards from the new units. Four units have already started exports of wine from the zone.

· The State government has taken initiative to set up wine parks in Sangli and Nasik districts. MFPI has sanctioned/disbursed Rs.2.0 crores as grant-in-aid assistance for setting up a food park for grape wine at Vinchur in Nasik. Total 120 plots have already been allocated.

· 36 wineries in the AEZ are already producing wines .

· A Concession of 25% in excise duty has been offered by the state Government . ( 100% exemption from Excise duty for Ten years from 2001)

· State Govt. declared exemption in Sales Tax(4%) for grape wine.

· The Govt. of Maharahstra has constituted a ten member Task Force Committee under the Chairmanship of Commissioner (Agriculture) for the development of the AEZ .

· MIDC has requested Crisil, Kirloskar, Tata, NRC and Cebeco, for submitting project report for establishment of Wine Institute in Nasik District. In Sangli, Palus grape processing & research centre has been already establised.

· During the year 2003-04, export of fresh grapes was made to Europe for a quantity of approx. 18,000 MTs and to the Middle East for a quantity of 8000 Mts. The export of fresh grapes and wine has amounted to Rs. 108 Crores.

· The total exports are 384.67 crores.

· The total investment of Rs. 110.17 crores has been achieved so far.

10.AGRI EXPORT ZONE FOR MANGOES IN UTTAR PRADESH (SAHARANPUR)

· The AEZ entails a total investment of Rs. 36.11 crores out of which 17.78 crore will flow from various Central Govt. agencies like APEDA, National Horticulture Board, Ministry of Food Processing Industries etc. and the State Govt. will contribute to the tune of Rs.1.15 crores. Private sector contribution is expected to be Rs 17.18 Crs.

· It is expected that there would be an export of around Rs. 71 crores from this zone in the next five years.

Present Status:

· The MOU for this zone was signed on 21st Dec. 2001.

· Minimum 50 farmers per district under AEZ are selected for training every year. In these years 1081 farmers were trained.

· As per training modules four programmes on pre-harvest and one on post harvest management have been conducted. All the information regarding crop management is provided to the farmers & in this training programme 500 trainees have been benefited from AEZ, Saharanpur.

· No entrepreneur has come forward but there is a Food Park sanctioned by MFPI.

· Pest/Disease control are a part of training program. IPM demonstrations are going on to promote less use of pesticides.

· Financial assistance of Rs. 1.48 crore has been extended by APEDA for setting up of a pack house. The pack house has been commissioned and the State Nodal Agency, i.e. State Mandi Parishad has invited tender for operating and maintenance of the pack houses by private entrepreneurs. So far no offer has been received from the private entrepreneur for operation and maintenance of the newly commissioned pack house.

· Considering the age of mango orchards in the AEZ, emphasis is being given for rejuvenation of these orchards.

· Packhouse being set up at Saharanpur Mandi & Post Harvest Management Centre at Saharanpur, Meerut, Muzaffar nagar.

· Mandi tax exempted by State Government and road linkages to mandi under progress under UPDASP project

· Two pack houses established at Mandi, Saharanpur.

· Post Harvest Management Centre established at Saharanpur, Meerut and Muzaffar Nagar.

· Road Linkage to Mandi is in progress under UPDASP.

· A lot of nurseries are registered under the nursery act in AEZ but three nurseries out of which one model nursery at saharanpur and two PPMS nursery at Meerut and Malihabad were established under UPDASP project for quality planting material. 61.48 Lac Rs. were invested. Mandi Tax Exempted for mangoes.

· 25 tons of mangoes have been exported so far to Jeddah, Doha, U.K. and China.

· Subsidy of Rs.10/kg or 25%, which ever is less, are given to exporters.

· 25% Subsidy are being provided on Area Expansion/Rejuvenation to farmers.

· Brand promotion of U P Mango with the brand of “Nawab” was promoting in different states and in China.

· About 200 ha. Mango orchards were identified under area expansion programme. 25% subsidy is given on Area expansion/rejuvenation to farmers.

· The total exports are 12.49 crores.

· The total investment of Rs. 16.99 crores has been achieved (which includes 4 crores for food park).

11.AGRI EXPORT ZONE FOR MANGO PULP AND VEGETABLES IN ANDHRA PRADESH

· The AEZ entails a total investment of Rs 91.40 crores out of which around Rs.24.86 crores will flow from various Central Government agencies like APEDA, National Horticulture Board, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, etc. The State Government agencies will also contribute an amount of around Rs.15.16 crores, with the remaining coming from the private sector.

· It is expected that this additional investment will lead to an incremental export of more than Rs.252 crores in the next 5 years, apart from considerably enhancing domestic sales as well.

Present Status:

· The MOU for this zone was signed on 28th Jan 2002.

· State Government has identified 8578 farmers for mangoes and 2460 farmers for vegetables for cultivation of mangoes and vegetables.

· 159 training programs have already been conducted which covered 8578 mango farmers and 46 training programmes on vegetables have been organized benefiting 2460 farmers. Six exposure visits have been organised for mango farmers. 100 progressive farmers have been identified from five potential mandals for importing intensive training on vegetables. Six exposure visits have been organised for 280 mango farmers.

· IIHR scientists are regularly conducting the training on Integrated Pest Management at monthly intervals.

· The PP schedules have been prepared for control of stone weevil and fruit fly, which are the major pests. A Committee comprising of Jt. Collector, Chittoor, Project Director, DRDA and Deputy Director Horticulture has been formed for arranging the procurement of chemicals for supply on 50% subsidy and the Department of Horticulture has allocated Rs. 82.50 lakhs as its share. Applications have been invited for supply of chemicals and distribution of chemicals to the farmers is in progress.

· Drip irrigation facilities worth Rs. 234.77 lakhs were provided to 423 farmers covering an area of 1078 acres .

· Hybrid vegetable seed to cover 540 hectares kharif and 800 hectares in Rabi were supplied on 50 % assistance at a cost of Rs. 22.60 lacs.

· Plastic crates (64345 number) worth Rs. 89.60 Lakhs have been supplied to the farmers with an assistance of Rs. 44.80 lacs by NHB .

· Agri Clinic services have been provided by NABARD and an exclusive seminar for setting up of Agri Clinics is also being organized by NABARD.

· R&D project for eradication of stone weevil pest has been sanctioned and state nodal agency has signed the MOU with ANGRAU on 26th March,2004 on behalf of funding agencies.

· A Food Park is under development at Kuppam in an area of 182 acres.

· A cold storage with a capacity of 2500 MT has been set up by APSTC at a total cost of Rs. 2.41 crore . The said cold storage is operational.

· A common testing laboratory has been set up by the Chittoor District Fruit Processing Federation at Chittoor with the funding of MoFPI at a cost of Rs. 25 lakhs and the building space has been provided by the State Government.

· A decision has been taken for exemption of market cess and the notification in this regard has been issued shortly.

· A notification has already been issued by AP Electricity regulatory commission for treating all the mango processing unit as seasonal units and give a concession of 70% and to pay 30% on fixed charges during off season.

· HACCP implementation has been done in 34 processing units. A cluster based HACCP implementation programme has been carried out by APEDA for 20 processing units .

· State Horticulture Department has started distributing subsidised quality plant material and seeds.

· Two asceptic packaging unit has been set up by tow entrepreneurs with an investment of Rs.8.00 crores.

· The DPR for upgradation of processing units has been prepared and submitted by APITCO to the State nodal agency.

· A common facility for Asceptic packing is being set up by APSTC and the project has been sanctioned by APEDA for a financial assistance of 75 % of the total cost .

· Development of common brand for Mango pulp of Chittoor region has been initiated by Chittoor Fruit Processors Federation in the name of seven hills.

· 4 processing units have been set up at a total cost of Rs. 9.83 crores . Three new units are being set up at a total cost of Rs. 4.80 crores . Two asceptic units by private exporters are being set up at a total cost of Rs. 8.00 crores .

· Exported from payment of market fee / cess on fruits and vegetables procured within and brought into the state for export purposes by exporters and processors and exporting concerns.

· APEDA has provided financial assistance M/s. Galla foods for setting up of VHT plant for an amount of Rs. 25 lac in July, 2007 . The facility has started its operation in the last mango season and has exported mangoes in the last season.

· APEDA has issued In principle approval for setting up of common infrastructure facility for Asceptic packing for an amount of Rs. 4.39 crores . MOU has been signed between APEDA and APSTC . Land has been acquired for establishing aseptic packing unit near Chittor town . A master plan has been prepared for the development of site . The plant is expected to be ready by April, 2008 .

· APEDA has issued In principle approval for providing financial assistance of an amount of Rs. 8.34 crores (Rs. 6 crore for VHT & Rs. 2.34 crore for packhouse) for setting up of common infrastructure facility - VHT plant and integrated packhouse at Nuzvid . An amount of Rs. 4.17 crores has been released in the month of May,2007.

· Govt. of India in the Ministry of Commerce has considered following three common facility project proposals and has accorded in-principle sanction under ASIDE scheme at a total cost of Rs.11.45 crores for implementation in 2-3 years in a phased manner;

1.)Solid Waste Treatment plant.

2.)Supply of Electrical Transformers

3.)Container loading Depot & Roads

· Commissioner of Horticulture has permitted Dy. Director of Horticulture, AEZ, Chittoor to supply hand operated pruning saws on 50% subsidy (not exceeding Rs.500/-) per beneficiary instead of mechanized pruning saws as per the request of Chittoor District Fruit Processors Federation.

· 240 Hand operated pruning saws were supplied to farmers during January 2005.

· Department of Horticulture has issued phyto sanitary certificate for exporting of vegetables during the year 2007

S.No. Month Qty. (MT)

1. Jan-Oct.07 38.87 (Vegetables)

The state govt. has also approved these proposals in the review meeting of ASIDE held on 16th July, 2007.

· Exports worth Rs. 2736.03 Crores of mango pulp and vegetables has taken place from the AEZ

· The investment in the zone has reached a level of Rs. 91.40 Crs

12.AGRI EXPORT ZONE FOR ORGANIC PINEAPPLE IN TRIPURA

· This AEZ entails a total investment of around Rs.15.66 crores, out of which Rs.8.11 crores will flow from the Central Government agencies, Rs.1.16 crores from State Government agencies and the remaining from the private sector.

· The exports were likely to commence from mid 2003, benefiting around more than 500 farmers in the first phase itself. Incremental Exports are expected to be Rs.31.64 cores within the next 4 years.

Present Status:

· The MOU for this Agri Export Zone was signed on 1st Feb 2002 . The State Government had advertised for inviting private sector investment.

· The State Government has short listed M/s Trans India Ltd. for setting up a processing plant. There would be an investment of Rs. 11.50 crores in this plant. Land has already been allotted by the State Government for this purpose.

· Necessary steps have also been taken for identification of farmers and their training for improving the produce in line with the requirements of organic cultivation.

· A model Organic farm developed at Jhumepeda with 10000 plants in 10 hectare of land has been handed over to State Government.

· Exports are yet to take off from the AEZ`

· Investment of Rs. 7.62 Crores made in the AEZ.

13.AGRI EXPORT ZONE FOR ALPHONSO MANGO IN MAHARASHTRA (KONKAN AREA)

· The project entails a total investment of around Rs. 35.12 crores, out of which Rs.9.94 crores will flow from various Central Government agencies and Rs. 16.18 crores from State Government agencies. The remaining investment of Rs 9.01 Crs is likely to be made by the private sector.

· The incremental export is likely to reach a level of Rs. 145.59 crores in 7 year.

· Around 5000 farmers are likely to get direct benefit under this Scheme.

Present Status:

· The MOU for this zone was signed on 12th Feb 2002 .

· An assistance of Rs.109.86 lakhs (75% of Rs.274.66 lakhs) was released by APEDA to MSAMB for upgrading the pack houses (installing pre cooling facilities and cold stores) in Ratnagiri and Sidhudurg. These pack houses were upgraded in time before the season 2003-2004. MSAMB has also disbursed Rs 256.02 lakhs for this project including 91.00 lakhs as own investment.

· MSAMB with the help of Agriculture University, State Agriculture Department, Local APMC & grower’s cooperative arranged 83 one day training programs and trained 4523 farmers under AEZ.

· APEDA has approved one proposal of MSAMB for setting up of VHT machine along with the allied facilities in Maharashtra. The details of the same is as under:

· VHT Machine – 5 MTs/batch

· Pre-cooling – 5 MTs/batch

· Cold Storage- 100 MTs

· Ripening Chamber- 20 MTs

· Handling Line – 2 MTs/Hr.

· Project Cost: Rs. 1597.82 Lacs

· MSAMB is in a process of getting quotations for VHT machine & MSAMB is in process of acquiring the land for setting up of this facility centre near Mumbai.

· MSAMB is upgrading the packhouses for export of mangoes to Japan, USA, China as per the guidelines given by APEDA.

· The MoU between M/s. Sitar Ltd., Japan and MSAMB for export of Alphonso & Kesar mangoes to Japan in the mango season 2008 was signed on 29/12/2007. MSAMB is now preparing for sourcing of mangoes and for the same HDOs of MSAMB is visiting the mango orchards following Good Agricultural Practices.

· To increase export of Alphonso mangoes to the newly opened USA & Japanese markets, MSAMB has announced 50% subsidy scheme for GlobalGAP certification to Mango & Pomegranate growers. The FoodCert India Ltd. is nominated for GlobalGAP certification scheme. Till date 63 applications has been received. The field officers of MSAMB visited the registered orchards and provide the guidance to the growers to implement the Good Agricultural Practices at the farms.

· To overcome the major problems like spongy tissue faced during export in the current season, MSAMB is planning to carry out Research & Development project with the help of Jain Irrigation Ltd., Jalgaon. Accordingly Jain Irrigation, Jalgaon has principally agreed to provide the land in Konkan region for research for the same.

· As per the discussion with BARC, Mumbai regarding handing over the Krishak Irradiation Facility Centre at Lasalgaon, Dist: Nasik to MSAMB (On Lease/Sell) for commercial operations, the proposal has been sent to BARC for getting the offer price for this facility to take on lease. MSAMB is in receipt of the guidelines for invitation of Bid for the said irradiation facility centre.

· MSAMB is planning to arrange specialized workshop for competent growers in presence of outstanding exporters for building the confidence among growers. The objective of these workshops is to make the growers more competent for supply of export worthy material to the exporters or export the material at their own.

· MSAMB has set up partnership organization of the co-operative societies of mango growers named “MAHAMANGO” in the year 1991 for increase the export of mangoes from Maharashtra.. The project proposal for strengthening of this society has been drafted and sent to Steering Committee for finalization. The proposal will be further submitted to Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India.

· To increase the export promotional activity more effectively worldwide, MSAMB is preparing for ISO 9001:2000 certification.

· The total export realization Rs 123 Crores (App).

· The total investment has touched Rs 36.86 Crores.

14.AGRI EXPORT ZONE FOR APPLES IN JAMMU & KASHMIR

· This project involves a total investment of Rs. 85.35 crores out of which Rs. 27.65 crores will come from the Central Government agencies and the Rs 57.70 Crs from the private sector .

· Cumulative Incremental export would be Rs. 292.74 crores in the 5th year.

· This project is to benefit around 2000 farmers and will entail modernization of existing fruit nurseries, manpower and logistics support for training and extension services, organizing infrastructure required for transportation, storage and distribution and setting up of a leaf/tissue analysis laboratory.

Present Status:

· MOU was signed on 18th March 2002.

· 186 farmers have been identified by State Government and 21 training programs for farmers conducted. 50% financial support of Rs 3.35 lakhs sanctioned by APEDA

· Toll Tax waiver notified by State government

· Chairman, APEDA carried out a review of the AEZ in Srinagar on 26th April, 2005.

· Mr. S S Kapur, JS, MoC&I carried out a peer evaluation of this AEZ at Sringar on 12/6/2005.

· APEDA signed MoU with Sher-I-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) on 15/7/02 for setting up of modern tissue culture laboratory at a total cost of Rs 187.994 lakhs . Advance of Rs 113 lakhs remitted to SKUAST in July, 2004.. The progress reports upto the period ending 15th January, 2007 (3rd year) have been received . The lab has been fully set up and testing is being carried out . a revenue of Rs 1,055/- has been generated on account of testing charges. Another instalment of the payment is being remitted to SKUAST.

· The Principal Investigator has released ads during 2006 and 2007 in several local newspapers for public information about the existence of this laboratory.

· Another proposal for improvement of shelf life of apples approved by APEDA and an MoU has already been signed with the SKUAST on 9/11/2004 and first progress report has also been received. Work on this project is also progressing satisfactorily. Regular quarterly reports are being received . Another instalment of Rs 20.73 lakhs has been remitted to SKUAST in May, 2007.

· For a review of progress of the above project , APEDA is convening a meeting of the PI of the project in January, 2008.

· An Integrated packhouse at a cost of Rs 388 lakhs is being set up at Shopian with 100% financial assistance from APEDA. After inviting global tenders and completing the procedural formalities , three agencies- Frick India Ltd, m/S SAMMO and Indian Dairy Manufacturing Company (IDMC) - were selected with each being allocated specific portions of the job.

· An MoU was signed between APEDA and JKHPMC on 15th July, 2004 for the project. In accordance with the terms of the MoU, APEDA, vide letter No JKAPPLES dated 5th October, 2005 remitted an amount of Rs 1,39,75,476 towards 35% advance against the total contract value and 50% of pre operative expenses net of TDS.

· Agreements with all the three bidders have already been signed by JKHPMC.

· The State Government later requested for change of location within Shopian where a new Fruit Mandi was coming up . The proposal was to align the location of the Integrated pack house within this mandi . APEDA Authority has already approved the proposal in its meeting held in March, 2005 and concurrence was conveyed to the State Government.

· Due to change of location , the process of implementation got delayed due to the issue of compensation payable to the occupants of the land at the new location. The issue was resolved in June, 2007 and JKHPMC contacted the three agencies earlier selected for the project work to ascertain their willingness to execute the allocated jobs on the project on the agreed terms and conditions. M/s Frick India and SAMMO have visited JKHPMC on 6/6/07 but IDMC has so far not responded. M/s Frick India has quoted an escalation of 15% in the cost and SAMMO 20% over the earlier quoted and agreed rates. IDMC has sought an escalation of Rs 1 Crore .

· Meanwhile JKHPMC had sent the project report for the Pack House for appraisal to IL&FS, New Delhi on 3rd July 2007. ILF&S had indicated a fee of Rs 9 lakh for appraisal, JKHPMC. The Agriculture Production Department vide its letter dated 20th November, 2007 has advised JKHPMC to “withdraw /recall the project report of integrated pack house from M/s IL&FS”.

· For earth filling of the undulated land at site and for putting up the retaining wall, JKHPMC has asked J&K Horticulture (Planning & Marketing) to submit estimate which is awaited.

· In a meeting with Hon’ble CM of J&K along with Sr officials , during 12-14 May, 2007 the Hon’ble MoS ( C) broached the subject of undue delay in commencement of the project despite funds having been made available by APEDA quite some time ago.

· M/s Kashmir Jam Industries has completed the work of setting up his unit for fruit processing in Samba, Jammu at a cost of Rs 119.65 lakhs. The unit has already started commercial production in last week of February, 2006. Financial assistance has been released to him for conducting the DPR for the project. Also, financial assistance of Rs 1,62,500 has already been disbursed to the applicant for Mechanized Handling Facilities .

· RRL (now IIIM) , Jammu sanctioned Rs 650 lakhs for recognition as referral lab for testing facilities for walnuts and other fruits including apples .

· The Investment in flow into the zone as on date stands at Rs 6.47 Crs. ( Pack house : Rs 142 lakhs , Reseaqrch on Shelf life improvement : Rs 121.433 lakhs , laboratory at SKUAST Rs 56.500 lakhs – 50% of total cost of Rs 113 lakhs as balance 50% goes to Walnuts AEZ) and Financial assistance to Kashmir Jam Industries : Rs 1.83 lakhs and Rs 325 lakhs as 50% of upgradation of IIIM laboratory at Jammu- balance 50% being apportioned under Walnut AEZ)

· The export of apples has been worth Rs. 15.71cr. in 2002-03, Rs. 13.17 cr. in 2003-04 and Rs. 26.34 cr. in 2004-05, Rs 38.12 Crores in 2005-06 and Rs 31.38 Crs in 2006-07. The total exports are Rs. 124.72 crores

· The Investment in flow into the zone as on date stands at Rs 6.71 Crores.

15.AGRI EXPORT ZONE FOR ONION, GARLIC, AND POTATO IN MADHYA PRADESH

· The project involves an investment of around Rs. 49.45 crores out of which Rs. 20.72 crores will flow from Central Government agencies and Rs 28.73 Crs will come from the private sector

· This project is likely to benefit 3000 farmers and would result an incremental export of of Rs. 126.18 crores in the next 5 years.

Present Status:

· MOU for setting up of this zone was signed on 11th Feb 2002

· 700 farmers of Onion, 1350 farmers of Potato and 1125 farmers of garlic have been identified

· One unit in the zone has already exported onion flakes and garlic powder worth Rs. 200 lakhs

· MPSAIDC, the nodal agency for Agri Export Zone has published useful material for farmers’ awareness .

· Madhya Pradesh State University has conducted awareness seminar in the Mandsaur Region with an expenditure of Rs.2 lakhs.

· Training modules have been prepared.

· MPSAIDC has purchased one potato grader from CPRI Shimla. Fritolays has procured 10,000 MT of Potatoes during the year 2002-2003 and 15,000 MT potato during the year 2003-2004.

· An irradiation project at a cost of Rs. 12 crores, has already been sanctioned by Govt. of India, Department of Atomic Energy. This is the first irradiation project based on electron beam technology in the country. It has a capacity of irradiating more than 97,000 MT per annum.

· The construction of road from cold storages up to the project is completed.

· State Govt. declared policy for allotment of waste land on concessional rate for long term lease.

· M P Agro has organized more than 8 conferences.

· M P Agro already set up a virtual office at Mumbai to facilitate export of onion and 7777 MT Onion has been exported to Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Dubai and Bangladesh.

· Major exporters are M/s. Veg-o-fresh (Indore), M/s. Jain Irrigation (Jalgaon), M/s. Garlico Industries (Mandsaur), M/s. Raj International (Indore).

· Eleven new cases have been received for setting up of Cold Storages with assistance from NHB involving total investment of Rs. 1276 lakhs.

· Divisional level liaison and motivating authority created under the Chairmanship of Divisional Commissioner.

· Sensitization conferences held. Local parties coming up for investment as well as Contract farming. M/s Raj International: Contract farming at Babai. Export in process

· Single licence system provision in the Mandi Act, Farm gate purchases allowed Mandi status.

· Waste land use permitted at lower lease tariff

· SEZs have provisions of sale tax exemptions

· Processed foods allowed transport subsidy @ 50% from land to port.

· Organized sensitization conference at Dewas on 17-03-04. Coop Cold Store registered for export licence. Exporters and farmers face-to-face trade negotiations are in process.

· Export dispatches now commencing from Pithampur,

· Dry ports have become functional.

· A society "Veg 'O' Fresh organized at Indore, Interactions Conferences with participation of APEDA

· A conference organised by CII at Bhopal to promote AEZ activities.

· A separate department of Horticulture and Food Processing set up in the state government.

· Investments in cold storage made by 24 companies of Rs. 1788.27 Lakhs with support from NABARD.

· From this AEZ the total exports are around Rs. 15.99 Crores.

· The total investment so far is Rs 42.64 Crores.

16.AGRI EXPORT ZONE FOR KESAR MANGOES IN MAHARASHTRA

· The Agri Export Zone entails a total investment of Rs. 18.56 crores out of which Rs. 4.69 crores will be contributed by Central Government Agencies, Rs. 2.92 Crores from the State Government Agencies and the remaining Rs 10.95 Crs will come from the private sector.

· Incremental export worth Rs. 44 Crores is anticipated in the next five years.

· The Agri Export Zone is likely to benefit around 3000 farmers.

Present Status:

· MOU signed on 11th April 2002.

· MSAMB with the help of Agriculture University, State Agriculture department, Local APMC & grower’s cooperative arranged 179 one day training programs and trained 11048 farmers under AEZ.

Jalana –Fattepur, Hasnabad, Pimpri Talegaon, Ambadgaon, Keli, Gavhan, Nagad Tanda, Shirasgaon.

Latur – Savargaon, Chikhurda, Nilanga, Khanapur, Devani. Malkapur, Kasar valkunda, Uglewadi, Karadgaon, Hanamantwadi,Latur, Yeshwantwadi, Karala.

Aurangabad - Chinchapur, Umravati, Sultanwadi, Pimpalgaon Pandhri, Nawala, Telwadi, Jamwadi, Naral, Telwadi, Jamwadi, Vanjargaon, Daregaon dari, Kaijgaon, Rajangaon, Aurangabad, Khamgeda, Khandala, Kasoda, Soygaon, Nagad, Shekta, Limbe Jalgaon.

Beed - Lukha – Masala, Undri.

· The MOU is signed between M/s. Carefit Ltd., Japan and MSAMB for export of Kesar mangoes to Japan in the mango season 2008. MSAMB is now preparing for sourcing of mangoes and for the same HDOs of MSAMB is visiting the mango orchards following Good Agricultural Practices.

· The MOU between M/s. Sitar Ltd., Japan and MSAMB for export of Alphonso & Kesar mangoes to Japan in the mango season 2008 was signed on 29/12/2007. MSAMB is now preparing for sourcing of mangoes and for the same HDOs of MSAMB is visiting the mango orchards following Good Agricultural Practices.

· APEDA has approved one proposal of MSAMB for setting up of VHT machine along with the allied facilities in Maharashtra. The details of the same is as under:

VHT Machine – 5 MTs/batch

Pre-cooling – 5 MTs/batch

Cold Storage- 100 MTs

Ripening Chamber- 20 MTs

Handling Line – 2 MTs/Hr.

Project Cost: Rs. 1597.82 Lacs

· MSAMB is in a process of getting quotations for VHT machine & MSAMB is in process of acquiring the land for setting up of this facility centre near Mumbai.

· MSAMB is upgrading the packhouses for export of mangoes to Japan, USA, China as per the guidelines given by APEDA.

· To increase export of Kesar mangoes to the newly opened USA & Japanese markets, MSAMB has announced 50 % subsidy scheme for GlobalGAP certification to Mango & Pomegranate growers. The FoodCert India Ltd. is nominated for GlobalGAP certification scheme. Till date 63 applications has been received. The field officers of MSAMB visited the registered orchards and provide the guidance to the growers to implement the Good Agricultural Practices at the farms.

· As per the discussion with BARC, Mumbai regarding handing over the Krishak Irradiation Facility Centre at Lasalgaon, Dist: Nasik to MSAMB (On Lease/Sell) for commercial operations, the proposal has been sent to BARC for getting the offer price for this facility to take on lease. MSAMB is in receipt of the guidelines for invitation of Bid for the said irradiation facility centre.

· MSAMB is planning to arrange specialized workshop for competent growers in presence of outstanding exporters for building the confidence among growers. The objective of these workshops is to make the growers more competent for supply of export worthy material to the exporters or export the material at their own.

· To increase the export promotional activity more effectively worldwide, MSAMB is preparing for ISO 9001:2000 certification.

· The total exports are Rs. 12.17 crores.

· The total investment so far is Rs 3.43 crores.

17.AGRI EXPORT ZONE FOR FLORICULTURE IN MAHARASHTRA

· This Agri Export Zone entails an investment of Rs. 13.34 crores out of which Rs. 7.23 crores will flow from various Central Government Agencies and the remaining Rs 10.66 Crs will come from the private sector.

· It is expected that the export of flowers from this Agri Export Zone will be around Rs. 75 Crores in the next five years.

· Around 300-500 farmers will be directly benefited and it is likely to lead to an employment generation of around 4800 persons.

Present Status:

· MOU was signed on 10th June 2002

· An amount of Rs. 5 crores has already been sanctioned for setting up of a floriculture auction center in Mumbai. The construction will start in October, 2004

· During 2003-04 exports worth Rs 10 Crs have been executed .

· Two Demonstration cum trial units identified and post harvest facilitator appointed

· Internal roads developed within the AEZ Work on road and river bridge completed for joining the National Highway

· 96 applicants allocated land for setting up projects. Three entrepreneurs already started development work on plots for setting up Green House Structure

· Training modules already framed to train growers in batches of 10 each

· Plots allotted to 96 growers

· 12 growers have gone in production and selling their flowers at local and export market and Two grower has recently planted and going to market in November 2006.

· 14 growers have already started their development work on the allotted plots and are in the process of erecting Green Houses structure.

· The incremental exports are Rs. 35.50 crores

· The total investment so far is Rs.168 Crores

18.AGRI EXPORT ZONE FOR WALNUTS IN JAMMU & KASHMIR

· This Agri Export Zone entails an investment of Rs. 36.93 crores out of which around Rs. 17.36 crores will flow from various Central Government Agencies and remaining Rs 19.57 Crs will flow from the private sector

· Incremental exports worth Rs 90.40 Crores are expected from this Zone in the next five years.

· Around 20000 farmers are likely to be benefited as a consequence of setting up of this Zone.

Present Status:

· MOU signed on 11th May 2002

· Extension service officers have been identified by the state.

· 80 farmers identified in the AEZ for training. Apart from 21 training programmes conducted during 2003-04, 19 Training programs have been conducted during 2004-05. APEDA has sanctioned 50% equivalent to Rs 3.35 lakhs for the training programmes for 2004-05. For 2005-06 Training schedule has been sought from the State Government. Despite reminders this has still not been furnished .

· 3 entrepreneurs have completed project reports along with bank appraisal and two applications were forwarded to MoFPI for financial assistance for setting up walnut grading / hulling and vacuum packing units. All three have now set up their units . M/s Royal Kashmiri Walnuts has already executed direct exports worth Rs 1.20 Cros also.

· The fourth entrepreneurs – M/s Kashoor Doon Enterprises is in the process of setting up his unit . He has sent two applications for financial assistance for setting up sorting/grading equipment and intermediate storage shed. The cass in abeyance due to non receipt of approval for XI plan schemes from the Government of India.

· Chairman, APEDA carried out a review of the AEZ on 26th April, 2005 at Sringar.

· Mr. S S Kapur, JS, MoC&I carried out a peer evaluation of this AEZ at Sringar on 12/6/2005.

· APEDA signed MoU with Sher-I-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) on 15/7/02 for setting up of modern tissue culture laboratory at a total cost of Rs 187.994 lakhs . Advance of Rs 113 lakhs remitted to SKUAST in July, 2004.. The progress reports upto the period ending 15th January, 2007 (3rd year) have been received . The lab has been fully set up and testing is being carried out . a revenue of Rs 1,055/- has been generated on account of testing charges. Another instalment of the payment is being remitted to SKUAST.

· For a review of progress of the above project , APEDA is convening a meeting of the PI of the projects in mid February, 2008.

· Proposal for strengthening of Walnut nursery at a cost of Rs 65 lakhs approved. MoU signed with Directorate of Horticulture on 9/11/2004 and 50% advance amount of Rs 32.50 lakhs has already been transferred. The work has been completed and walnut planting work will commence in February, 2008 . In the meantime to utilize the facilities strawberry plantion work is in progress. The Department of Horticulture has been requested to file documents in claim of the balance assistance of Rs 32.5 lakhs from APEDA.

· Research project on tissue culture propagation of walnut at a cost of Rs 32.15 lakhs under implementation through TERI. So far an amount of Rs 18 lakhs has already been transferred to TERI for the work done . The project has been completed.

· RRL (now IIIM) , Jammu sanctioned Rs 650 lakhs for recognition as referral lab for testing facilities for walnuts and other fruits.

· Waiver of Toll tax accorded by State Government

· The exports so far have been Rs 121.21 cr. in 2002-03, Rs. 99.30 cr. in 2003-04 and Rs. 99.21 cr. in 2004-05 and Rs 114.46 Crores in 2005-06 and Rs 118.03 Crs in 2006-07 . The total exports are Rs. 552.21 crs.

The investment in the zone is Rs 14.14 Crs

· 19.AGRI EXPORT ZONE FOR LITCHIS IN WEST BENGAL

· India is one of the major producers of litchi in the world. The production has increased steadily over the years, both in terms of area as well as production. The yield of litchi in the country is the highest in the world. The first Agri Export Zone for litchis was set up in Uttranchal. In tune with the objective of promoting export of litchis, it has been decided to set up an Agri Export Zone in West Bengal in the districts of Murshidabad, Malda, 24 Pargana (N) and 24 Pargana (S). This litchi will complement the litchi exported from Uttranchal and Bihar as the seasons do not overlap. The Agri Export Zone entails an investment of around Rs. 10.44 crores out of which Rs. 6.12 crores will flow from the Central Government Agencies, Rs. 2.25 crores from the State Government Agencies and the remaining from private sector. An incremental export of around Rs. 27 crores is expected in the next five years and this zone is likely to benefit around 500 farmers apart from generating indirect employment.

Present Status:

· This Agri Export Zone was sanctioned by the Steering Committee on 5th march 2002. The MOU was signed on 23rd March 2002 and the Agri Export Zone has already been notified by the DGFT. 150 farmers are reported to have been selected in this area. A package of practice in Bengali language and also a monthly calender have been prepared and circulated among cultivars. Rs. 2.10 lakhs were spent by the State Govt. for area expansion in the Zone. Further Rs. 2.10 lakhhs were spent for establishing new orchards of around 7 ha. A multi coloured crop calendar has been prepared by the Directorate where month wise crop management practice that is to be followed is recorded. These calendars have been widely distributed amongst the litchi growers. Training programmes are being conducted for the litchi growers with emphasis on cultivation practices for exportable and processable litchis, plant nutrient management, use of bio-fertilisers, use of organic manure, pest and disease management, rejuvenation of old orchards and establishment of new orchards.

· A pack house has been set up in Malcos, Malda by M/s Malda Mango Cooperative Society Ltd. Advertisement was released by the State Government inviting interested entrepreneurs to set up packhouses. M/s Pataka Foods has set up a precooling unit. The civil construction work of the pack house facility, being created by West Bengal State Food Processing and Horticulture Development Corporation with the financial assistance from APEDA is almost completed. The tender for refrigeration, electrification etc. has also been completed. They are expecting the completion of the work by the end of April this year. The sanctioned project cost is around 1.7 Crore. M/s Malda Mango Co-operative Society Limited (MALCOS) is also in the process of completing their pack house for export of fresh mango and litchi for which APEDA has already in principally agreed to provide them the financial assistance under Infrastructure Development Scheme. The estimated project cost is 1 Crore (Approx.). M/s Pataka Foods Limited has also started the civil work for development of a food park within the AEZ wherein they are going to set up a modern pack house for export of fresh mango and litchi in addition a processing unit. The total project cost will be 50 Crore in first phase. A special fumigation chamber for litchis has been built inside the newly constructed packhouse at Malda.

· Two research projects have been taken up by BCKV under the AEZ litchi programme. APEDA has sanctioned a Rs.19.50 lakh project on selection of clones and management practices to prolong the harvesting period and control of physiological disorders in Litchi. The Department has sanctioned another Rs. 4.99 lakh project for improved orchard management for quality litchi production.

· APEDA has approved the proposal of Rs. 675.00 lakhs for setting up of Centre for perishable cargo (CPC) at International Airport, Kolkata in July 2005. i.e., during 2005-06. Out of this advance of 20% i.e.,Rs. 135.00 lakhs was released in December 2005. The project is likely to benefit export of pineapples, mangoes, litchis and vegetables apart from other products.

· A well known processing unit of Malda, Geeta’s, is trying to produce litchis in sugar syrup which will give the consumers an opportunity to taste the litchis throughout the year.

· The incremental exports are Rs. 3.30 crores

· The total investment so far is Rs. 0.93 Crores

20.AGRI EXPORT ZONE FOR LITCHIS, VEGETABLES & HONEY IN BIHAR

· This export zone entails an investment of around Rs. 12.13 crores out of which Rs. 4.45 crores will be contributed by various Central Government agencies. The remaining amount of Rs. 0.18 and Rs. 7.50 Crores will flow from the State Government and private agencies respectively.

· 10,000 farmers are likely to be benefited.

· The projected incremental export from this Zone is around Rs. 154 crores in the next five years.

Present Status:

· MOU signed on 5h April 2002

· Training imparted to 135 farmers.

· A Packhouse has already been commissioned by M/s Pamer Agro Ventures Ltd.,

· During the 200-03 season 35 Mts. of Fresh Litchi and 96 Mts of processed litchi were exported at a total FOB value of Rs. 85 Lakhs.

· On APEDA’s initiative M/s. J.M. Levhart & Zn. B.V. from Aalsmeer Holland visited India in January 2003 since they had shown interest in importing litchis from India . They were shown the pack houses of M/s. Radha Krishna Impex, Muzaffarpur and M/s. Pamer Agro Ventures Ltd., Hajipur

· During the current year the state Govt. plans to expand the area under litchi cultivation up to 1300 acres (50,000 trees).

· The exports have reached a level of Rs 5.87 Crs.

· The investment in the zone has reached a level of Rs 20.10 Crs.

Status of the project as on 15/03/2006 is as under:

Export Performance of Litchis (fresh & processed):

Year

2002-032003-042004-052005-06

Qty. in MTs152

388

624

Appox. 900

1. FARMER TRAINING: Total 150 farmers have been selected and the training was organized by the Institute of Entrepreneurship who had prepared the detailed training modules under the guidelines of APEDA

2. PRE HARVEST MANAGEMENT:

· International expert from France was engaged to improve farm management and general pre harvest practices such as pruning which was neglected till the interventions of the experts.

· Harvesting operations was streamline viz a viz the post harvest treatment and proper synchronizations was advised and documented in the package of practices recommended by the experts and adopted by APEDA for export purposes.

3. INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

· Pack houses has been provided with the Financial Assistance of APEDA to 5 units.

4. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES:

· NRC was founded three years back, however, it has failed to become operational till date thereby the fact that no research and development activity has taken place in varietal development pre harvest and farming technology.

· Similarly, negligible progress has been made in propagating and providing quality planting material for area expansion.

· The proposal for testing laboratory has been prepared and has been submitting for financial assistance to APEDA.

5.QUALITY CONTROL:

Post the visit of the International expert; no significant

improvement or progress has been made in quality.

6.ANY SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT / ACTIVITY:

· The export of processed litchi in the form of litchi pulp, canned litchi in syrup and other litchi products has surpassed fresh litchi export multifold thereby providing more stability to the investment in export oriented industry.

· Although APEDA started with the export of fresh litchi both by Air and Sea routes, the process adopted for export have become widely accepted in domestic market also giving a thrust to farming and litchi production in the area.

· The pack houses and processing units have started diversified into other fruits and vegetables both in the fresh and processed areas.

7.ACTIVITY COMMITTED by State but no proposal received by APEDA or information provided to APEDA –

8.MAJOR CONSTRAINTS:

· Improper Road linkages.

· Unavailability of power making unit largely dependent on stand by diesel