India losing out in Agri Production: ASSOCHAM
 Hyderabad, August 2 (INN): Although India is the largest producer across a range of commodities due to favourable agro-climatic conditions and rich natural sources base about 40 per cent of agriculture produce is lost owing to inadequate infrastructure, says a study paper on 'Agri Export Zones-Towards newer market' prepared by of Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India, ASSOCHAM.
The study paper was jointly released on Tuesday at Hyderabad by Principal Secretary (Food Processing) C R Biswal, ASSOCHAM, Southern Regional Council Chairman Ravindra Senna Reddy and ASSOCHAM Secretary General DS Rawat.
Speaking to media persons on the occasion, Mr Rawat said that in view of increasing demand for organic food produce, it is suggested to declare five districts in Andhra Pradesh as Organic Districts very shortly and those districts will be developed within three years to produce organic food grains. He claimed that the profits will go up by 250 per cent by organic methods.
'Agriculture Export Zones (AEZs) deserve a boost by policy makers and the private sector as India ranks dismally low in global trade despite being a major producer of agricultural products,' said the study paper.
Agriculture and related activities account of employment to 55 per cent of the population in the country, 14.6 per cent of the GDP and 10.2 per cent of total exports, said the paper.
The paper further revealed India produced 90 million tonnes of rice last year, over 80 million tonnes of wheat, 34 million tones of coarse cereals, 15 million tones of pulses, 25 million tonnes of oil seeds and 278 million tonnes of sugar cane.
Mr Rawat said that Indian exporters have not succeeded in establishing direct linkage with consumers in importing countries.
News Posted: 2 August, 2011
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