Varanasi: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) on Friday jointly celebrated this first-ever achievement of 100 MT export of agricultural exports from LBSI Airport in a month. To commemorate this milestone, APEDA also held a workshop under the Krishi Udan Scheme (KUS), aimed at empowering agriculture and uplifting agri and perishable cargo.Speaking on the occasion, APEDA chairman Abhishek Dev complimented the exporters, farmers producer organisations (FPOs) and other stakeholders of Varanasi region, where there had been no export of agriculture products, for taking the export to the significant level in the last 3-4 years.MoCAs senior economic advisor Piyush Srivastava, emphasised the integration of FPOs into the agricultural export supply chain through schemes like KUS. As per feedback from regional stakeholders, necessary interventions from the ministry are made for further changes, if required any scheme for promoting export of horticulture produce, he said. Providing details of the progress made in perishable goods export from Purvanchal, APEDA regional head CB Singh, remarked, Before achieving the first-ever 100 MT monthly agri export, APEDA, in collaboration with all stakeholders, will continue efforts to convert this opportunity into 1000 MT monthly in near future.Singh highlighted how Varanasi region, once lacking in agri-exports due to insufficient infrastructure, has transformed into a hub of it. With the establishment of a robust quarantine and customs clearance facilitation centre at LBSI Airport, numerous exporters now operate in the region, utilizing air routes for agricultural product exports, he said. Apart from fresh green vegetables, mangos and others, a variety of agricultural products such as fresh marigold, water chestnut, cranberry, banana, among others, have been successfully exported to international markets, showcasing the regions capability to meet global demand, he added. APEDA officials mentioned, KUS with its focus on ensuring seamless, cost-effective, and time-bound air transportation for agri-produce, especially from Northeast, hilly, and tribal regions, is set to further enhance the agri-export trend from the Purvanchal region.A detailed discussion was held between officials and stakeholders, where focus areas included enhancing agri-cargo capacity at LBSI Airport, which is currently fully occupied.We also published the following articles recentlyUkraine needs more air defences to protect grain exportsPresident Zelenskyy of Ukraine addressed the Grain from Ukraine summit, highlighting the need for more air defences to protect grain export routes and regions bordering Russia. He acknowledged the air defence deficit and mentioned that Ukraine had been attacked by 75 drones overnight. Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine would receive foreign support in the form of vessels to accompany cargo ships from its ports for security. Additionally, he expressed hope in solving the air defence shortage through new supplies and increased production capacity.Indian exporters cautiously watching respiratory illness in China; say cause of concern if spreads moreIndian exporters express concern over the influenza situation in China, watching for any spread of the disease that may impact global supply chains and world trade. The Indian government is prepared for any exigency and is monitoring the outbreak of H9N2 and respiratory illness clusters in China. The Union health ministry states that there is a low risk to India from avian influenza cases in China. Leading exporters highlight the potential impact on trade if the disease spreads. NITI Aayog is studying how to bridge Indias trade deficit with China and safeguard supply chains.

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