EXIM bank to focus on horticulture and handloom sector, Northeast India.

GUWAHATI: Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM) will aggressively promote the horticulture and hand loom sector of the eight states of Northeast India.

TCA Ranganathan, Chairman & Managing Director of EXIM bank who in Guwahati on Monday to attend a programme on promoting horticulture sector in the Northeast region said, "Northeast India has the advantage of going for high end horticulture and handloom products."

He added that there is some problem somewhere as these sectors are not developing in the desired level. "We have roped in companies including ITC, Godrej Agrovet and Emami Group to figure out as why the sector is not developing to the desired level."

He said that the bank will work for improving the distribution- marketing and positioning of the horticulture products. "Across the world there is going craze for organic agriculture produce and ethically branded textile. The region can take advantage of both this aspects to position itself."

Ranganathan said, "We will draw a road map for sustainable production while also identifying avenues to create markets and linkages for farmers and entrepreneurs from the region."

India is the second largest producer of both fruits and vegetables globally after China accounting for 14 percent and 12 percent respectively of world production. However India's share in global export of horticulture products is low.

According to EXIM bank, India's export of horticulture products is US$2.7 billion (1.3 percent of global exports) as compared to china's export of US$ 18 billion (9 percent of global exports).

Source : economictimes.indiatimes.com