The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, NOV 23, 2023
In a landmark achievement, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Union Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has successfully facilitated the first-ever shipment of cashew nuts from Odisha to Bangladesh.
The consignment, comprising 2 metric tons of premium quality cashew nuts, was exported by the West Bengal-based exporter Paaf Global Pvt Ltd. This monumental step not only strengthens economic ties between the two nations but also opens up new avenues for the agricultural sector in Odisha.
The cashew nuts, sourced from the renowned company “Passion Gourmet,” run by a dynamic women entrepreneur in Odisha signify a blend of quality and empowerment. This initiative holds particular significance as it aligns with the broader mission of promoting women-led businesses and developing economic growth in the region.
To mark this historic occasion and to celebrate the National Cashew Day on November 23, APEDA, in collaboration with the Government of Odisha, organized an Export-Oriented Capacity Development Program at IDCO, Bhubaneswar. This program was designed to sensitize Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), inspiring them to venture into the field of agriculture exports. By encouraging them to become exporters, the initiative aims to eliminate middlemen from the supply chain, thus maximizing farmer’s income.
The shipment was virtually flagged of by APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev, in the presence of senior officers of APEDA, Odisha Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department Principal Secretary Dr. Arabinda Padhee, MSME Department Principal Secretary Saswat Mishra, other senior officers of Govt. of Odisha, ECGC, NABARD, RPQS, and Customs etc. Around 40 members of FPOs/FPCs from cashew growing districts joined and witnessed the flag-off ceremony.
Abishek Dev, in his virtual address, expressed happiness on National Cashew Day being observed in the entire nation with a positive wave; and lauded the developments happening towards the growth of cashew exports from India.
Dr. Arabinda Padhee spoke in detail about the various potentials and production strength of the State. He also expressed delight at the State being surplus in sapling production and increased yield with enhanced quality. He congratulated the initiative which has led to export of the cashew consignment.
Saswat Mishra in his address spoke about the vast opportunity available and potentials for growth of exports from Odisha. He highlighted the various facilities made available to the entrepreneurs through common facilitation centers at various locations in the State. He lauded the efforts being taken by APEDA and other facilitation agencies for the achievement.
APEDA Board Member Sukanata Panigrahi congratulated the APEDA team for successful execution of exports from the State and also highlighted the importance and developments happening in the cashew sector.
Paaf Global Pvt Limited Managing Director Subrata Ghosh expressed his excitement about this remarkable achievement, stating, “This successful shipment not only represents a significant achievement for the cashew industry in Odisha but also reflects the potential for growth and collaboration in the agricultural sector between India and Bangladesh.”
Subsequent shipments of cashew nuts from Odisha are being planned for some other global destinations including Bahrain and Qatar, as committed by the exporter.
This initiative not only holds promise for the economic prosperity of the region but also aligns with the broader vision of a self-reliant India, developing entrepreneurship and sustainable agricultural export.
