Jaipur, divya rasthra* The National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development (NABARD) supported Agri Export Facilitation Centre (AEFC) has prepared a comprehensive guidebook on agri-export which was officially released by Smt. Manju Rajpal, IAS, Secretary, Cooperative Department & RCS, Government of Rajasthan during the 55th High Level Committee (HLC)/ State Level Task Force (SLTF) meeting on Cooperative Credit Structure organized by NABARD RO, Jaipur on 26th September 2024.
The National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development (NABARD) has established an initiative titled “Setting up of Agri-Export Facilitation Centre (AEFC) at Jodhpur, Rajasthan,” funded through its Farm Sector Promotion Fund (FSPF) and implemented by South Asia Biotechnology Centre (SABC), Jodhpur.
The AEFC with support from NABARD, aims to boost Rajasthans agricultural exports and serve as a resource center for various stakeholders viz., agripreneurs, agri-business entities, and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). The center is also aimed to equip exporters with the tools and insights they need to succeed in international trade of agricultural commodities and value-added products (https://www.nabard-aefc.org)
As a significant outcome of this project, the project implementing agency has developed an insightful Agri-Export guidebook titled From Local to Global: The Agri Exporters Roadmap, authored by Bhagirath Choudhary and Sapna Bohra of South Asia Biotechnology Centre.
The agri-export guidebook “From Local to Global: The Agri-Exporters Roadmap” is an attempt to assist key stakeholders to explore and navigate through the complexity of trade in food, said Dr Rajiv Siwach, Chief General Manager (CGM), NABARD, RO Jaipur Rajasthan. I am confident that this guidebook will stand as a steadfast ally to key in the chain, the clarity and essential for navigating through the realm of agricultural exports, emphasized Dr Siwach.
This guidebook outlines essential agri-export procedures, from setting up a legal business to making Indian agricultural products available on the global market. It provides practical information designed to inspire young agripreneurs to start their ventures and explore opportunities in the global marketplace. Additionally, a Hindi version of the guidebook is under preparation for improved accessibility and better outreach to the rural community.
With this agri-export guidebook, NABARD aims at empowering aspiring agri-exporters to reach their goals and contribute to our nations growth in the global export market.
Keeping in view the bountiful production of high value crops in Rajasthan, the potential for processing, value addition and agri exports has never been more promising, said Dr Bhagirath Choudhary, author of the guidebook & coordinator of NABARD Agri Export Facilitation Centre (AEFC). The agri-export guidebook is meticulously curated with practical information to facilitate the journey from local small farms & farmer producer organization (FPOs) to the global marketplace, asserted Dr Choudhary.
Shri Pushphas Pandey, General Manager, NABARD, representatives from Regional Office of RBI, MD of Rajasthan State Cooperative Bank Ltd. (RStCB), MDs of Jaipur, Sri Ganganagar and Jaisalmer District Central Co-operative Banks, officials from RStCB and other officials from NABARD, RO were also present during the release of the agri-export guidebook.
