Govt to review policy on Agri Export Zones

NEW DELHI: The government is planning to bring about some changes in the agriculture export zone scheme to give a push to agri exports.

The commerce ministry has also asked exporters to help prepare a strategy for bringing about growth in exports of agricultural products.

According to commerce and industry minister Kamal Nath, some policy provisions would be made in the AEZ scheme to make it more effective. The AEZ scheme was formulated in 2001 to boost specific crops grown in specific regions of states, but has not been able to show much results due to lack of funds and government attention.

Speaking at an awards function organised by the Fieo, Mr Kamal Nath said that India needed to focus on increasing its agriculture exports. "Our agriculture sector has not yet been able to get engaged with the world. We have to look at ways to make the sector more efficient," he said.

The minister asked Fieo to conduct a study on how to increase agriculture exports like processed food and primary agricultural products over the next five years by roping in other agencies like APEDA.