Heavy Demand abroad of Potatoes from Uttar Pradesh

There is heavy demand for potatoes from Uttar Pradesh, and for the first time, they have been exported to Guyana in South America. Potatoes are often referred to as the king of vegetables, and their demand has been increasing in foreign countries. Potatoes from Aligarh have been sent to Guyana for the first time, and along with farmers, exporters are also becoming involved. A shipment of 29 metric tons of potatoes from Aligarh was exported to Guyana through sea routes. The purchase of these potatoes was made from local farmer groups through the Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) in Aligarh, and the potatoes were packed in cold storage in Aligarh.

According to the news agency IANS, considering the possibilities of potato production in the Aligarh region, the Agriculture Produce Export Development Authority (APEDA) is preparing to establish an agricultural export center for potatoes. After this, employment opportunities will open up not only for Aligarh and its surrounding farmers but also for others.

The government has been focusing on encouraging farmer groups like FPOs to boost international trade. Various programs such as training and capacity building are being conducted from time to time. After the meaningful initiative of APEDA in Uttar Pradesh, Komalika Farmer Producer Company Limited has been directly linked with exports. Provision of financial assistance has also been made to enhance capacity-building structures for state governments and FPOs. APEDA is preparing a strategy for country-specific export promotion programs and is organizing international buyer-seller meets in new markets to increase export capacity for countries in the European Union, the Middle East, and Southeast Asian countries.