Bihar, India, has begun exporting green vegetables globally, initiating with a dispatch to Dubai. The Bihar State Vegetable Processing and Marketing Cooperative Federation Limited (VEGFED) manages this export effort, following a model inspired by COMFED in the dairy sector.
On June 6, a 1,500-kilogram vegetable shipment was sent from Varanasi to Dubai, destined for retail at the Lulu Mall. State Cooperative Minister Dr. Prem Kumar noted this step aligns with efforts to elevate Bihari vegetables in global markets.
VEGFED collaborates with farmers in regions including Tirhut, Vaishali, Champaran, and Magadh. These areas, known for dairy contributions, now enter the vegetable export sphere, aiming to boost farmer earnings. The Minister mentioned that growers might earn up to 20 times more in international markets compared to domestic sales.
The shipment comprised ten vegetable varieties such as jackfruit, cauliflower, eggplant, and bottle gourd. Additionally, demand from Dubai's Lulu Mall has led to plans for a larger shipment of 45 metric tonnes. VEGFED is also preparing for exports to Singapore as part of its international expansion.
Domestically, the government is broadening its "Tarkari" vegetable outlet network, akin to COMFED's milk booths. Of the planned 534 outlets, 200 locations have received designation and funding.
Coinciding with the International Year of Cooperatives, Bihar's vegetable grower strategy adopts a collective marketing framework, aiming to mirror the growth seen in the dairy sector. A VEGFED committee will be set up in each of Bihar's 495 blocks, with four cooperative unions already part of the initiative.
Source: Krishak Jagat
