Policy soon to promote agri exports, says Prabhu

He said that his ministry will work on developing global supply chain for the agriculture sector.

The government will soon bring out a policy to develop agricultural clusters and boost farm exports, according to commerce minister Suresh Prabhu.

Speaking at the 10th Agriculture Leadership Summit 2017 on Tuesday, Mr. Prabhu said, “If there are clusters for industry, why should we not think about clusters for agriculture. Farmers have the right to access global markets and get better prices (for their produce) and for that we will put in place a good policy framework soon.” He added, “We have to develop global supply chains and we will work on that."

The minister said at the multi-lateral level too there is work to be done to eliminate trade restrictions. Mr. Prabhu said he would soon be meeting trade ministers in Manila and Seoul in this regard. On the World Trade Organisation-level negotiations, he said there will be a ministerial conference in Argentina in December. “Our agenda is going to be very aggressive. This is a development round ... We will ensure that Indian farmers get their due by getting better price from global markets. This is very important and this is going to be part of the strategy to increase farmers income in India,” he said.