Guwahati: Agriculture experts from different parts of southeast Asia have called for market-driven strategies to ensure greater economic gains in the sector during a seminar in Guwahati.
They also stressed on the need for better connectivity among southeast Asian countries.
“Market-led growth strategies coupled with better access to newer markets could be the game-changer in the region” said additional chief secretary of the agriculture department VB Pyarelal while speaking at a sub-regional policy meet on ‘fostering agricultural value chains in eastern South Asia’ in the city recently.
The meet was organized by CUTS International in partnership with Rashtriya Grameen Vikas Nidhi (RGVN, Guwahati), SNV (Bhutan) and Unnayan Shamannay (Dhaka).
“The event aims to bring together government agencies, regulators, private institutions and private players engaged with the agriculture sector to understand and deliberate on how to best harness the agriculture value chain and its potential in the sub-region comprising the northeastern states of India and its neighbours in the Brahmaputra basin,” a press statement said.
Meghalaya Resource and Employment Generation Council vice-chairperson, Szarita Laitphlang said Meghalaya and other northeastern states have unique products to offer, including turmeric (with high curcumin content), ginger and other exotic fruits that have global export potential.
“Potential has not been exploited due to connectivity issues, coupled with a lack of entrepreneurial skills among producers,” said Laitphlan.
This news can also be viewed at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com