Bihar initiated its green vegetable exports, targeting Dubai via cooperative marketing federations under VEGFED, mirroring the structure of COMFED. "A first consignment of 1500 kilograms of green vegetables was sent to Dubai via Varanasi yesterday," Cooperative Minister Prem Kumar noted. This initial batch is destined for Dubai's Lulu Mall.
To enhance cooperative-driven vegetable production, the state formed the Bihar State Vegetable Processing and Marketing Cooperative Federation Limited. VEGFED coordinates with farmers in Tirhut, Magadh, Vaishali, and Champaran, previously involved in dairy production. According to the Cooperative Department Minister Dr. Kumar, "farmers will get more than 20 times the price in Dubai compared to the domestic market for their vegetables."
The shipment comprised ten vegetable varieties, such as jackfruit, cauliflower, eggplant, and bottle gourd. Minister Kumar highlighted Dubai's Lulu Mall's request for 45 metric tons of produce. Following this, a consignment to Singapore is planned, reinforcing the export motto of "every dish filled with Bihari vegetables."
Recognizing the scale of Bihar's green vegetable production, the state aims to enhance market access via Tarkari outlets, alongside COMFED milk parlours. Plans include establishing 534 'tarkari' retail outlets, with sites for 200 already selected and funded.
Aligning with the International Year of Cooperatives, Bihar promotes cooperative vegetable growers, aspiring to replicate the dairy model's success. A VEGFED committee is scheduled for all state blocks by month's end, with 495 blocks and four unions currently engaged.
Source: The Right News
