Latha Venkatraman

Mumbai , Nov. 25

INDIA'S fresh produce exports have a substantial growth potential but stringent quality processes are absolutely essential to drive overseas sales, according to Mr Arnold Parzer, Counsellor for Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, Netherlands.

"The main issue confronting the industry is that of insufficient quality. This is primarily because in this country (India) there is a market for produce of any quality as opposed to the developed countries' markets where only Grade A and B quality produce can be sold,'' he said.

Producers, according to him, have to change their attitude towards quality; not merely focus on quality for the export market but also the domestic market.

Last year, there were incidences of shipments of shrimps and grapes being rejected at ports in the Netherlands. "India cannot afford a rejection of shipment on the issue of quality. Pre-shipment control of fresh produce is absolutely essential,'' Mr Parzer said. He was in Mumbai to address delegates at Ag-India 2004.

But awareness about quality issues is percolating down to the farm level over the last 5-6 years. Besides, the Government, through organisations like the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, has also been encouraging qualitative farm processes, he said.

However, exporters have become conscious of quality issues. This is evident in the quality of grapes, most of which head to the European countries. Grapes from Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh are already at international standards.

India's exports of fruits and vegetables during 2003 stood at Rs 356 crore — Rs 165 crore worth of vegetables and Rs 191 crore of fruits. Total overseas sales of grapes during 2003 were Rs 130 crore with UK and Europe accounting for 80 per cent of exports. The market has remained stagnant at this level for the last three years.

India has a climatic advantage, according to Mr Rolf Grijpma, Business Development Manager, FoodCert, an organisation, which certifies and inspects food processes and products.

"In the case of fresh produce, India has a unique possibility to supply to Western Europe because the climatic conditions here are suitable for growing fruits,'' he said. The grape-growing community in India has a specific opportunity to export grapes during February and April when no grapes are available anywhere in the world except here.

In the years to come, the sub-Saharan African countries, Uganda, Kenya and India will be exporters of farm produce to the European markets, according to Mr Grijpma.

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