For boosting exports of citrus and its valued added products, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute (ICAR-CCRI), Nagpur.

The MoU envisages promoting export by focussing on creation of product specific clusters along with development of technologies by APEDA and ICAR-CCRI with a focus on efficient and precision farming.

The collaboration with two institutes of repute would focus on diversifying the export basket, destinations and boosting high value agricultural products exports through establishing Brand India globally. Market development and traceability in citrus which includes strengthening forward and backward linkages, branding and marketing, establishment of market intelligence cell, the MoU states.

The MoU states that product development work comprise of field digitization, efficient quality control measures (Sanitary and Phytosanitary), development of organic farms. APEDA and ICAR-CCRI would also organize capacity building for farmers, entrepreneurs, exporters and other stakeholders to promote agri-businesses and exports.

MoU which was signed recently at Nagpur at the presence of Shri. Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India and Dr. M. Angamuthu, Chairman, APEDA, aims at promotion and hand holding of Farmers Producer Organizations and Farmer Producer Companies and linking them with international markets.

According to MoU, APEDA and ICAR-CCRI would collaborate on developing climate-resilient agriculture, promoting GAP certification, block chain technologies and shaping business models around the needs of the farmers. The Development of export protocols for citrus especially the sea transport for long distance markets would be undertaken.

The MoU also aims at pursuing collaborative activities that enhances technology transfer and technical expertise of the university and strengthening existing laboratory facilities for testing as per requirement of importing countries and for obtaining NABL accreditation and APEDA recognition.

“There would be need assessment, technology development and dissemination for citrus for export promotion by APEDA which would also develop detection techniques in advance to boost agri-exports. Both the institutions would undertake collaborative projects for the development for value added products of   Oranges and other citrus fruits and carry out training & research consultancy,” according to MoU.

APEDA and ICAR-CCRI would also develop Standard Operating Procedure of citrus fruits for exports which would include pre and post-harvest management, Residue control, post-harvest interval, Shelf life development etc.

Export oriented extension activities at the farm level to be carried out in association with the active FPOs or NGOs in the respective states and districts.

The MoU also aims at developing an end-to-end sustainable value chain with APEDA to promote better consignment commitment to importing countries along with export promotion of Geographical Indication (GI) tagged Nagpur Orange) and organic citrus products from Maharashtra. ICAR-CCRI would contribute in addressing the challenges in export like development of real time solution for pests and diseases (Pest free area for fruit fly, Citrus canker, etc.

For boosting value-addition and farmers’ income, APEDA has signed a series of MoUs with ICAR-Indian Institute of Millet Research (ICAR-IIMR), Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore. National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED) and others.