BJP MP Jagadish Shettar has urged the Union government to establish a unit of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in Belagavi, similar to the existing APEDA centre in Mapusa, Goa.
During a meeting with Union Minister for Commerce and Industries Piyush Goyal in New Delhi on Tuesday, Shettar submitted a memorandum proposing the unit’s establishment near Belagavi Airport. He emphasized that this facility would benefit farmers by providing cold storage and packaging services, ensuring farm produce remains fresh for longer durations. This, in turn, would enable farmers to sell their produce at optimal prices.
The memorandum highlighted Belagavi’s significant role in agricultural exports, stating that the district ranks second in Karnataka in terms of fruit and vegetable exports. Mr. Shettar pointed out that nearly 20% of India’s fruit and vegetable produce is wasted annually due to inadequate cold storage facilities, leading to an estimated loss of ₹13,300 crore in farmers’ earnings.
“To prevent such losses, it is crucial to maintain the freshness and quality of fruits and vegetables,” he stated.
In response, Mr. Goyal assured that the request would be considered and efforts would be made to support farmers, according to a release from Mr. Shettar’s office.