Brainstorming on Challenges in Export of Onion and Garlic in India” at DOGR, Pune
ICAR-Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research (DOGR), Rajgurunagar, Pune in collaboration with Indian Society of Alliums (ISE), Pune, National Horticultural Research and Development Foundation (NHRDF), New Delhi and Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), New Delhi organized a one-day brainstorming session on “Challenges in Export of Onion and Garlic in India” on September 16, 2017 at ICAR-DOGR, Rajgurunagar, Pune to address various issues related to onion and garlic export oriented production, market research, packaging, forwarding and policy framing among different stakeholders.
Dr. A. K. Singh, DDG, Horticultural Science, New Delhi was the Chief Guest. Dr. K. E. Lawande, Ex-Vice Chancellor, Dr. BSKKV, Dapoli & Ex-Director, ICAR-DOGR, Rajgurunagar, Pune was the Guest of Honour. Dr. Sudhanshu, DGM, APEDA, New Delhi, Dr. R. P. Gupta, Ex-Director, NHRDF, Nashik, Mr. Dilip Khaire, Chairman, APMC, Pune, Dr. N. P. Singh, Director, ICAR-NIASM, Baramati were special invitees for the programme. Beside them, the dignitaries Dr. K. V. Prasad, Director, ICAR-DFR, Pune, Dr. S. R. Bhonde, Ex-Joint Director, NHRDF, Nashik, researchers, farmers, traders, exporter, authorities from APEDA, BARC, State Agriculture Department and Marketing Board participated in the programme and exchanged their views and experiences.
Dr. Major Singh, Director, ICAR-DOGR, Rajgurunagar, Pune welcomed the dignitaries and briefed about the ICAR-DOGR achievements and objectives behind organizing the brainstorming session. Dr. Sudhanshu, DGM, APEDA, New Delhi appreciated ICAR-DOGR for taking initiatives to organize the brainstorming on challenges in export of onion and garlic keeping in view the enormous prosperity for export of onion and garlic. He emphasized on inclusion of onion in horticultural export basket. Mr. Dilip Khaire, Chairman, APMC, Pune focused on firm export policies and proper maintenance of demand-supply chain, processing and e-marketing to solve price fluctuation problem of onion and garlic. Dr. R. P. Gupta, Ex-Director, NHRDF, Nashik urged on change from exporting in traditional gulf countries to the European countries. Dr. N.P. Singh, Director, ICAR-NIASM, Baramati emphasized on need of stress management in onion and garlic production.
Dr. K. E. Lawande mentioned difficulties in production and export of onion and garlic. He stressed on development of high yielding varieties. He talked on improvement of trading system, pure seed production, IPM technology and market intelligence. Dr. A. K. Singh, DDG, Horticultural Science, New Delhi appreciated contribution of ICAR-DOGR in tremendous increase of country’s onion production since its inception. He urged the participants to use modern information tools for timely application of advance technologies in production and export of onion and garlic. He emphasized on involvement of researchers in every step of crop production.
Participants from various field including exporters, farmers, scientists, marketing agencies, agencies related to exports took active part in the programme. It was felt from presentations and discussion that for sustainable export quality and traceability, onion and garlic to be given importance. APEDA, MSAMB, NHRDF, APMC and exporters should join for formation of farmers’ cluster involving farmers group. Maharashtra Govt. to be requested to enhance the storage capacity to reduce the storage loss. A agency to be created with the APEDA and other agencies for market intelligence for better export prospects. Experts should join the research organization for training of farmers for good agricultural practices to maintaining the quality of produce. There is good scope for processed onion and garlic for export market which should be tapped. The program is ended with vote of thanks by Dr. Vijay Mahajan, Pr. Scientist, DOGR.
