AP to get 5 organic villages

HYDERABAD: If the industry body, the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India's (Assocham), proposal is anything to go by, Andhra Pradesh could soon boast of 'organic villages' dotting the state. An organic village is a unique initiative where farmers will be encouraged to produce vegetables, fruits and other crops through organic farming practices. Assocham is currently preparing a feasibility report for this which is likely to be submitted to the Planning Commission and respective state governments in the next two months. "About five villages in five districts of Andhra Pradesh would be identified to launch this unique initiative. Farmers producing organically are likely to increase yield significantly. Besides, they could get an increase of 250 per cent in income after three years," said D S Rawat, secretary general of Assocham. The state is the largest producer of mangoes, grapes and gherkins. These are produced in Chittoor, Ranga Reddy, Medak, Krishna, Anantapur and Guntur. However, the percentage of exports is dismally low.  "Though the country is the largest producer of apples, it's ranked 37th globally in terms of exports. India accounts for a miniscule 1.6 per cent of the total global agri exports," he explained.To give the much-need fillip and improve agri exports from India, Assocham recommends that emphasis must be on crops with high marketable surplus and competitive strengths. "Agri export zones must be taken into serious consideration both by policy makers and private sector as India ranks low in global trade despite being a major producer of agriculture crops," said Ravindra Sanna Reddy, chairperson, Southern Regional Council, Assocham.  Interacting with the media after launching a report titled ‘Agri Export Zones-Towards Newer Markets', Rawat said that over 40 p.c of agriculture produce was lost due to inadequate infrastructure.  The total investment in agri export zones across 20 states has been only `1,098 crore, while exportable produce is valued at `10,690 crore. Incidentally, agriculture and other activities generate over 55 p.c of employment and over 10 p.c of the overall exports from the country. "Considering India's agrarian background, efforts should be made to promote agri export zones in the country," Rawat said.