Grape and pomegranate, popular horticultures crops of the district, are expected to gain boost with the University if Agriculture Sciences-Dharwad (UAS-D) setting up of Agriculture Business Export Knowledge Centre at the Agriculture Research Station here.
The centre which was functioning in UAS-D since 2007 will have its operation expanded to district, with an objective to improving the quality of the horticulture produces to international standards in order to increase the export.
N. R. Mamledesai Head, of the centre here, told The Hindu that the objective is spread awareness among the farmers to produce quality agriculture produces.“Grape and pomegranate of the district have enormous potential in gaining international reputation, but, owing to lack of knowledge, farmers are unable to enhance its quality to meet the exports stands,” Dr. Mamledesai said.
The centre will train and educate farmers on improving the quality of the crop. He said it is crucial to meet the exports standard based on the parameters set up Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). “They should also get approval from APEDA either under Good Agriculture Practice (GAP) system or under organic farming system. The parameters are set based on the quality, size, colour and permissible level of chemical residue in the fruit,” he said.
Dr. Mamledesai said that centre also encourages the formation of farmers produces company (FPC) which helps in collection of produces by a single agency for exporting at is difficult for every individual farmer to export the produces.
Sharing the experience of Dharwad, Dr. Mamledesai said that with the help of the centre, the prices of mango in retain market went from Rs. 20 per kg to 110 per kg. In Bagalkot district, pomegranate cost increased by Rs. 60, he said.
