New Delhi, Apr 28 (FN Bureau) Telangana Agriculture Minister Singireddy Niranjan Reddy said that Indian farmers are going to be protectors of the world in terms of food security. Speaking after inaugurating a one-day seminar on “Export Opportunities for Agro and Agri Related Products from Telangana” organized by the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) on Friday, the Minister said that India is not only self-sufficient in food production but is also capable of exporting various products, particularly those produced in Telangana. He urged for more focus on agro and food processing products that have excellent potential for export. Reddy highlighted the importance of identifying export-worthy products and increasing efforts to promote them in the global market.
The Minister cited groundnuts as an example of a product with excellent export potential. He stated that Telangana groundnuts are eight times more nutritious than California almonds and are a primary ingredient in peanut butter, which is essential for many people in the Netherlands. He also mentioned the high per capita meat consumption and the abundance of fish in Telangana, which presents opportunities for exporting surplus quantities. Reddy encouraged the youth to become job creators and emphasized the need for relevant degrees to address current societal needs. The State government’s efforts in the agriculture sector, including innovative methods, technology use, and financial support to farmers, have contributed to significant progress, leading to considerable potential for agro and agri-related product exports from Telangana.
The day-long seminar discussed several topics, including government schemes for export promotions, finance schemes for exporters, and infrastructure and logistics challenges for exports. It also covered specific sessions on export opportunities for botanical products, millet and millet-based products, agriculture/horticulture products, and spice products. Dr E Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, Special Secretary, Investment Promotion & NRI Affairs, and Joint Managing Director of TSTPC graced as the guest of honour. Dr B Neeraja Prabhakar, Vice Chancellor of Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University; Anil Agarwal, President of FTCCI, S Chandra Mohan, Chair, Agro and Food Processing Committee, Meela Jayadev, Sr Vice President and Suresh Kumar Singha, Vice President of FTCCI and T. Sujatha, Dy CEO of FTCCI also graced. About 300 people participated in the seminar.