SE Asia's food and vegetable demand grows

COIMBATORE: South East Asian countries having a large ethnic population are said to be offering a good export demand for food and vegetable items from Tamil Nadu. The prevailing low price trends and the general taste and preferences for southern foods could be used for tapping the demand.

A study conducted by the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (Tnau) said food and vegetable exporters from TN can exploit the export market potential in three neighbourhood countries - Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand which have considerable number of people of Tamil-origin living there.

The study, which also covered the prevailing import duty structure, transportation costs, etc., revealed that tradionally grown items like rice, cereals and ethnic vegetables traditionally could be exported to these destinations.

Besides, 0ther agri commodities such as tamarind, red chillies, betel leaf and flowers like crossendra, jasmine, tube rose and thulasi could be exported. The other items listed in the study are papads, fried dhals, toffees made from groundnut and gingely, popped rice and all grocery items.