The Central government is contemplating setting up a referral laboratory which tests chemical residues in agricultural produce and enable farmers export the same to Europe and American markets.
Speaking to The Hindu , member, Agricultural and Processed Food Export Development Authority (APEDA), S. Jayapal Reddy said the proposals were sent from the State Agricultural University to set up the lab in Mahabubabad Agricultural Research Centre, Malyal. Another lab that analyses and issues certificates to organic and inorganic produce would also be coming up.
Efforts were on to set up a comprehensive Export Package House in the district that helps farmers store, pack, and export their produce to world markets directly. Mr. Jayapal Reddy said the Union Ministry of Commerce was in favour of setting up such centres. It was also offering 90 per cent subsidy to State governments and 40 per cent subsidy to farmers with big holdings if they come forward to set up their own laboratories.
“The Punjab government and farmers got subsidy to the tune of Rs. 200 crore from the Centre. Such initiative is required from the Telangana government as well,” he opined. The State government could send proposals or encourage the farmers to apply for subsidy, he said.
Due to lack of awareness and proper publicity, local farmers and governments were not utilising the schemes offered by the APEDA and other wings of the Central government.
He explained that though several proposals were brought to the notice of the State government, it was not forthcoming to submit the required proposals. An exclusive research and export facility for green chilly was proposed at Warangal vegetable market, which was pending with the state government, he said.
The APEDA has asked the State Agriculture University to prepare proposals and apply for infrastructure projects to benefit from the Central government scheme.
