As part of the Agri-Export Exchange Program, the participants had an exciting opportunity to visit Sam Agri Pvt. Ltd., guided by Mr. Pawan Markunde. This visit gave everyone a hands-on look at how pomegranates are handled after harvesting, from the farm to international markets. It included a walk through the orchards as well as a detailed tour of their modern processing facility.

Sam Agri Pvt. Ltd., established in 1996, is one of India’s top exporters of fresh produce. Over the years, they’ve introduced several unique products to the export market, like fresh pomegranate arils, cut coconut chunks, figs, and dried arils. The company follows very strict safety and quality standards and holds several global certifications like ISO, BRC, and Global GAP, among others.

With more than 25 years of experience, Sam Agri has built a strong system to connect farmers to global buyers. They use advanced technology to track produce from farm to shelf, and they operate multiple high-standard processing units to make sure they can supply fresh products all year round.

During the visit, the group saw how pomegranates are sorted, graded, and stored in special cold rooms set at 8–14°C. They were shown how the fruits are cut manually in a unique way to get the best quality arils. In the deseeding section, the group saw how the arils are separated, cleaned, and packed, with a shelf life of up to 14 days.

Next, they visited the dry arils area, where the seeds are dried and stored at 40–50°C. The highlight for many was the tour of the pomegranate wine-making section, where big tanks and filters are used to make wine. Participants even got a chance to taste the fresh pomegranate wine, experiencing its rich natural flavor.

This visit helped everyone understand how modern post-harvest techniques and value addition can increase the income of farmers and open doors to international trade. It was not only educational but also truly inspiring for the farmers and agripreneurs who dream of taking their products to the global market.

One of the highlights of the exchange program was the visit to the National Horticulture Research and Development Foundation (NHRDF) in Nashik, where the participants got a close-up look at how cutting-edge agricultural research is helping shape the future of onion farming in India. The team was warmly welcomed by experts including Dr. Sujay Pandey, Dr.R.C. Gupta, Dr. Jasti Shrivarsha, Dr. Nitish Sharma, and Dr. Ashok Tailor, who guided everyone through a hands-on tour of the center.

Participants got to explore the onion crop museum, which featured different types of onion varieties developed by NHRDF, along with seed production plots and facilities that focus on improving quality and storage methods. The experts shared detailed information about the entire process of onion seed development—from selecting the right variety to ensuring it meets high-quality standards. It was a great opportunity for everyone to understand how science and farming go hand-in-hand.

After the field tour, Dr. Jasti Shrivarsha gave a virtual presentation explaining the techniques used in sprout seeding of onions, which many found very useful. A thoughtful discussion also took place around a pressing issue in Rajasthan—the growing problem of “Pyaji” (Allium canadense) weed in cumin crops which is a mimicry weed of onion but a major issue in cumin cultivation. The NHRDF team suggested some possible herbicide solutions that could help farmers tackle this challenge effectively.

To wrap up the visit, the team from NABARD AEFC presented a souvenir to the NHRDF experts as a token of appreciation. The participants also learned that onion farmers in Rajasthan can benefit from training and seeds provided at NHRDF’s regional center in Kota.

The institute also houses a range of useful labs, including an AGMARK lab, a soil and water testing lab, and a biopesticide lab, all of which are designed to support farmers with better techniques and informed decisions.

Overall, the visit was both informative and inspiring, giving everyone a deeper appreciation for the role of research and innovation in boosting agriculture and export readiness.

This visit helped everyone understand how modern post-harvest techniques and value addition can increase the income of farmers and open doors to international trade. It was not only educational but also truly inspiring for the farmers and agripreneurs who dream of taking their products to the global market.

During the exchange program, the group of women farmers visited Om Gayatri Nursery Benchtech Pvt. Ltd., a successful nursery venture that grows and supplies quality plants to farmers in bulk. This visit gave the participants a hands-on look at how a professional nursery runs and the modern techniques used in plant production.

They were warmly welcomed by Mr. Yogesh Hon and Mr. Pankaj, who guided them through the different areas of the nursery. The visit began at the germination chamber, where workers were busy filling pro trays with coco peat and sowing high-quality hybrid seeds. This is where the plant journey starts, and the women observed how the trays are kept in a special room with controlled temperature and humidity to help the seeds sprout evenly and quickly.

Next, they moved to the shade net house, which is spread across 2 acres. Here, the young plants are nurtured in a space where there is just the right amount of sunlight and shade—perfect for their growth. The women saw how each stage of the plant’s life is carefully managed to ensure strong, healthy seedlings. This large nursery can produce around 30 to 35 lakh plants in just 30 days, ready to be transplanted into the field.

The visit also included a stop at the grape bench grafting unit, where they learned how two parts of the grape plant—the rootstock and the scion—are joined together to grow better, disease-resistant vines. It was a great learning opportunity to see how science and skill come together in modern farming.

Lastly, the women explored the Agri Mall—a one-stop shop where farmers can find everything they need, from fertilizers and chemicals to modern farming tools and machinery. It was an eye-opener to see such a convenient setup where all agricultural needs are met under one roof. The visit was both inspiring and educational for the women farmers, showing them how new techniques, tools, and proper nursery management can help boost productivity and make farming more efficient.

A highly informative and engaging visit was conducted at KURUSHAK – Krushi Utpadan Sanrakshan Kendra, an advanced irradiation facility established by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Nashik. This centre plays a pivotal role in enhancing the export quality of agricultural commodities through state-of-the-art post-harvest irradiation technology. During the visit, participants gained valuable insights into how food irradiation is used to extend shelf life and ensure compliance with international export safety standards. The group had the opportunity to interact with Dr. Dilip Pote, Radiation Safety Officer, and his team, who provided a detailed overview of the facility’s operations. They were introduced to the inspection unit, the area gamma monitoring system, and a comprehensive demonstration of the irradiation process using the Krushak plant model. The centre utilizes Cobalt-59 and Cobalt-60 isotopes for energy generation, which is then applied in the irradiation process to eliminate pest infestation and microbial contamination in agricultural produce.

This innovative, non-chemical approach ensures that the quality, texture, and nutritional value of the product remain intact while significantly prolonging its shelf life during storage and transit. The visit left the participants inspired by the potential of nuclear technology in supporting safe, sustainable, and globally competitive agri-exports.

The participants from Western Rajasthan received a warm and gracious welcome at Seven Star Fruits Pvt. Ltd., a leading private enterprise known for its excellence in export-grade fruit processing and packaging. Upon arrival at the factory outlet, each participant was greeted with a floral welcome, setting a cordial tone for the visit.

Led by Mr. Manoj Patni, Mr. Harish More, and Mrs. Rupali More, the Seven Star team engaged with the visiting delegation and shared in-depth insights into the production, processing, and export potential of grapes and pomegranates. The team discussed various market-driven demands, export challenges, and opportunities in the sector, particularly highlighting the difference in packaging requirements for domestic and international markets.

Participants were given a guided tour of the facility, where they observed live demonstrations of grading, sorting, labelling, and packaging processes carried out in strict compliance with export standards. The visit also included a detailed overview of the packhouse infrastructure, including the pre-cooling chamber, cold storage units, dispatch section, and the plant quarantine laboratory. It was explained that after approximately eight hours of packaging, the fruits are pre-cooled at 20°C, followed by storage at 0°C to maintain freshness and quality for export.

An interesting highlight of the visit was the demonstration of the box automatic erection machine, used for efficient box making and packaging. Participants were also shown a wide range of packaging materials tailored to the specific needs of export and domestic markets.

To conclude the visit, participants were treated to tea and snacks, along with a tasting session of premium-quality export grapes, allowing them to experience firsthand the quality difference between produce meant for domestic consumption and that destined for global markets. As a gesture of appreciation, the NABARD-AEFC team presented a souvenir to the representatives of Seven Star Fruits Pvt. Ltd., marking a successful and enriching learning experience for all involved.

“जोधपुर-पाली-सिरोही किसान समृद्धि यात्रा — नाबार्ड एईएफसी की ओर से सौंफ उत्पादन और मूल्य श्रृंखला को सशक्त बनाने की पहल"

नाबार्ड कृषि निर्यात सुविधा केंद्र (AEFC), जोधपुर ने दक्षिण एशिया जैव प्रौद्योगिकी केंद्र (SABC), जोधपुर के सहयोग से 22 मार्च 2025 को “जोधपुर-पाली-सिरोही किसान समृद्धि यात्रा” का सफल आयोजन किया। यह यात्रा जोधपुर-पाली-सिरोही जिला एक्सचेंज कार्यक्रम के तहत आयोजित की गई थी, जिसका उद्देश्य किसानों को शेड ड्रायिंग तकनीक, गुणवत्तापूर्ण सौंफ उत्पादन और वैल्यू चेन को मजबूत बनाने के बारे में प्रशिक्षित करना तथा तीनों जिलों के किसानों के बीच ज्ञान का आदान-प्रदान कराना था। इस यात्रा के तहत लगभग 15 प्रगतिशील सौंफ उत्पादक किसानों ने पाली और जोधपुर जिलों से होते हुए राजस्थान के सिरोही जिले का दौरा किया।

इस किसान समृद्धि यात्रा में उन्नत उत्पादन तकनीकों, समेकित पोषक तत्व प्रबंधन (INM), मल्टी-अम्बल कटिंग, कम लागत वाली वर्टिकल शेड ड्रायिंग तकनीक, और फसल कटाई उपरांत प्रबंधन की जानकारी तहसील पिंडवाड़ा, जिला सिरोही के गांव कच्छोली में डीबीटी बायोटेक किसान हब के प्रगतिशील किसान श्री ईशाक अली के डेमो फार्म पर प्रदर्शित की गईं। कार्यक्रम के दौरान सौंफ के डेमो प्लॉट, नवाचारपूर्ण वर्टिकल शेड ड्रायिंग सिस्टम और राजस्थान के पहले "अंबू सौंफ सामुदायिक जीन बैंक" का भी दौरा किया गया, जो सौंफ जर्मप्लाज्म के संरक्षण के लिए समर्पित एक अनूठी पहल है।

राजस्थान, जो भारत का प्रमुख मसाला केंद्र है, अब एक उभरता हुआ प्रमुख सौंफ उत्पादक क्षेत्र बनता जा रहा है। जोधपुर की बिलाड़ा तहसील, पाली की सोजत और जैतारण तहसील, नागौर क्षेत्र और सिरोही जिला मुख्य सौंफ उत्पादक क्लस्टर हैं। हालांकि, किसानों को निम्न गुणवत्ता के बीज, असंगठित उत्पादन पद्धतियों, सिंचाई की समस्याओं, अनुचित पंक्ति दूरी, कीट प्रकोप, केवल एक बार कटाई और सीधे धूप में सुखाने जैसी समस्याओं का सामना करना पड़ता है, जिससे बाजार में कीमतें कम मिलती हैं। इस यात्रा के दौरान उन्नत कृषि पद्धतियों के माध्यम इन समस्याओं का समाधान करने की कोशिश की गई।

कार्यक्रम उद्घाटन सत्र में किसानों को किट बैग, सौंफ ग्रेडिंग चार्ट, अबू सौंफ कम्युनिटी जीन बैंक की पुस्तिकाएं और सिरोही में सफल सौंफ उत्पादन की पैकेज ऑफ़ प्रैक्टिसेज वितरित की गईं। प्रत्येक प्रतिभागी किसान को नाबार्ड-एईएफसी और एसएबीसी की ओर से प्रशंसा प्रमाण पत्र भी दिया गया।

नाबार्ड एईएफसी और दक्षिण एशिया जैव प्रौद्योगिकी केंद्र के विशेषज्ञों ने आबू सौंफ-440 (उच्च उत्पादन व रोग-प्रतिरोधी किस्म), पेयर्ड रो प्लांटिंग, गुड एग्रीकल्चर प्रैक्टिसेज (GAP), एकीकृत कीट प्रबंधन (IPM), एकीकृत रोग प्रबंधन (IDM), और एकीकृत पोषक तत्व प्रबंधन (INM) पर आधारित इंटरैक्टिव सत्र आयोजित किया। किसानों को मल्टीअम्बल कटिंग, ग्रेडिंग, भंडारण और पैकेजिंग की तकनीकें सिखाई गईं, जिससे सिरोही की प्रसिद्ध सौंफ के साथ जोधपुर और पाली में उत्पादित सौंफ की गुणवत्ता को और बेहतर बनाया जा सके। यह सौंफ अपने चमकीले हरे रंग, बड़े दानों और खुशबू के लिए जानी जाती है, जो किसानों के लिए अत्यधिक लाभकारी और निर्यात बाजार में लोकप्रिय है। कम लागत वाले वर्टिकल शेड ड्रायिंग सिस्टम, जो पारंपरिक ज्ञान व वैज्ञानिक विधियों के समन्वय से बनाया गया है, का प्रदर्शन यात्रा का विशेष आकर्षण रहा।

सिरोही जिले की आकांक्षी जिले में डीबीटी बायोटेक किसान हब के अंतर्गत गुणवत्तापूर्ण सौंफ उत्पादन हेतु GAP, IPM और INM का प्रदर्शन करने वाले प्रगतिशील किसान श्री ईशाक अली और केएस भारद्वाज के मार्गदर्शन में आबू सौंफ-440 किस्म के प्रदर्शन प्लॉट का दौरा और किसानों के साथ संवाद किया गया।

इसके बाद, किसानो को राजस्थान के पहले "अंबू सौंफ कम्युनिटी जीन बैंक" का दौरा सुश्री श्रेया मिश्रा के नेतृत्व में किया गया जिसमे 100 से अधिक विविध सौंफ जर्मप्लाज्म का संरक्षण किया गया है। यह परियोजना एसएबीसी, जोधपुर द्वारा आईसीएआर-काजरी, पाली के सहयोग से, डीबीटी के "बायोटेक किसान हब" के तहत संचालित की जा रही है, जिसमें पारंपरिक ज्ञान व आधुनिक अनुसंधान को मिलाकर छोटे किसानों को सशक्तिकरण करने का लक्ष्य है। इस जीन बैंक का उद्देशीय बीज संग्रह, संरक्षण और आदान-प्रदान के माध्यम से सौंफ की जैव विविधता और जलवायु सहनशीलता को सुनिश्चित करता है।

इस विजिट के दौरान पौध किस्म संरक्षण एवं किसान अधिकार प्राधिकरण (PPVFRA) के तहत आबू सौंफ-440 किस्म के पंजीकरण हेतु आवेदन प्रक्रिया और इसके कानूनी महत्व पर भी प्रकाश डाला गया। साथ ही आबू सौंफ को भौगोलिक संकेतक (GI) के रूप में पंजीकृत करने के प्रयास भी जारी हैं, जिससे सिरोही की इस खास किस्म की वैश्विक पहचान बन सके और किसानों को अधिक लाभ मिल सके।

नाबार्ड एईएफसी की इस पहल की सराहना करते हुए प्रगतिशील किसान श्री ईशाक अली ने पाली और जोधपुर के किसानों को यात्रा में प्रदर्शित उन्नत तकनीकों को अपनाने के लिए प्रोत्साहित किया, ताकि वे अपनी सौंफ की उपज और गुणवत्ता को बेहतर बना सकें। कार्यक्रम का समापन नाबार्ड एग्री एक्सपोर्ट फैसिलिटेशन सेंटर, जोधपुर की सुश्री सपना बोहरा द्वारा धन्यवाद ज्ञापन के साथ हुआ, जिन्होंने किसानों और विशेषज्ञों की सक्रिय भागीदारी के लिए आभार व्यक्त किया।

कृषि-प्रसंस्करण और निर्यात उद्योगों का दौरा, a two-day agri-export program and exposure visit on 20th and 21st Nov 2024, of 12 NABARD-funded Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) from 10 districts of Rajasthan at Unjha, Gujarat. The program was attended by over 50 representatives, including farmers and FPO leaders, and was aimed at equipping them with insights into agri-export opportunities and advanced agro-processing techniques.

The training and exposure visit was a collaborative effort organized by NABARD Agri Export Facilitation Centre (AEFC), Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Spices Board of India, Federation of Indian Spice Stakeholders (FISS), and APMC Unjha, and implemented by the South Asia Biotechnology Centre (SABC), Jodhpur.

Participants were provided with hands-on exposure to advanced agro-processing and export facilities in Unjha, a hub for spice trading and processing. The program facilitated interactions between Rajasthan’s FPO representatives and renowned exporters from Gujarat, helping them understand the practicalities of export documentation, quality standards, and market linkages.

Speaking on the occasion, representatives from NABARD and APEDA highlighted the importance of capacity-building initiatives in fostering the growth of FPOs and enhancing their role in global agricultural trade. Farmers expressed their gratitude for the valuable insights gained and the opportunity to network with leading stakeholders in the agri-export industry.

This initiative marks a significant step in bridging the gap between smallholder farmers and export opportunities, contributing to the larger vision of strengthening India's agricultural economy through value addition and global market access.

The first industrial visit was to Asian Spices. The Asian Spices group is a 65 years old company dealing with all kinds of spices and allied products. They have installed Hi-Tech machineries to carry out multi stage cleaning of the spices to achieve highest purity. They have more than 25 years of experience in the field of Seed spices and consistently upgrading themselves to international standards in all aspects. Participants toured the pre-cleaning, primary and secondary cleaning sections, fine cleaning units, sortex grading unit, and the tagging and final product packaging areas. Sh U. Kartik (Director and Owner) and Sh A. Shivam (Managing Director) shared the company’s journey since its establishment in 1999 and its successful export operations to countries like Malaysia and the Netherlands.

The second industrial visit was to Gayatri Psyllium Industries. It has been operational since 2010, is a one of the leading manufacturers and exporter of Psyllium Husk, Psyllium Husk Powder, other Psyllium seeds products, and Chickpea flour (Besan) from Gujarat, India. It is a Government recognized STAR EXPORT HOUSE and exports Psyllium products to more than 35 countries across the world mainly USA, Germany, UK, Spain, Italy, China, Malaysia, Thailand, UAE, Egypt, South Africa, Brazil etc. among others. In recent years, they have established themselves as a leader in export of Chickpea Flour from India. Their High-tech manufacturing facility is spreaded in 50000 sq. ft area and equipped with latest production technology and machineries including Optical sorter, Pulverizer, sterilization plant, and in-house testing laboratory. It has been upgraded from time to time to keep pace with new development in the Industry. The company’s CEO, Amit Patel, in partnership with Bhavin Patel, highlighted the facility's stringent quality procedures and cleaning standards, particularly in product packaging.

The 3rd industrial visit was to the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) at Unjha, Gujarat, is renowned as one of the largest marketplaces for spices, particularly cumin (jeera), fennel (saunf), and other agricultural commodities. Located in the heart of India’s spice belt, APMC Unjha serves as a vital link between farmers, traders, processors, and exporters, facilitating efficient trade and value addition. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, including warehouses, processing units, and auction platforms, APMC Unjha ensures transparency and fair pricing for agricultural produce. It also plays a pivotal role in promoting exports by adhering to quality standards and providing market linkages to global buyers. A symbol of agricultural excellence, APMC Unjha continues to empower farmers and contribute significantly to India's agri-economy, making it a key player in the nation’s spice trade. Here, participants observed the auction process between buyers and sellers, gaining insights into commodity trading. They explored various graded spice qualities available in the market and understood the pricing mechanisms employed by buyers.

The 4th visit was in-lab learning at Eureka Analytical Services (Eureka) is a provider of testing, inspection, and auditing services for food, agricultural commodities, feed, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and environment, with labs in Bangalore, Delhi/ NCR, and Gujarat/ Unjha. Eureka was founded by professionals with a long and successful track record of building and leading such businesses in the TIC (Testing-Inspection-Certification) industry. Eureka is the exclusive member lab in the Indian subcontinent, of the GBA Group, headquartered in Hamburg, Germany. GBA Group is a leading bioanalytical testing company in Europe, offering a suite of reliable and comprehensive analytical services. The Group has built a global network of testing laboratories and competence centers. These perform millions of assays every year to establish the safety, composition, authenticity, origin, traceability, and purity of food and other substances.

At a testing laboratory where participants showed keen interest in the procedures for testing and sampling raw products. Dr. Neha Lohia (Quality Manager) and Sh Anand (Sales Manager) provided an overview of the laboratory, established in 2019, and introduced the participants to various units, including the Micro Unit, wet chemistry lab, HPLC unit, ICP-MS machine, GC MS machine, GC-FID unit, and the standard preparation area. Participants also interacted with the sampling team, engaging in a Q&A session about testing and sampling methodologies.

The 5th and the last industrial visit was to MRP Agro Tech Industries, a young company of M R Patwa Group. It’s established in 2014 by the third generation of the company. This company is manufacturer, processor, supplier and exporter of whole spices products. The product ranges cumin seed, fennel seed, fenugreek seed, Ajwain seed, Coriander seed, Dill seed, Mustard seed, sesame seed and dry amla. This factory is equipped with the latest cleaning and sortex plant from Buhler. It had enough 50,000 Sq.Ft. storage facility. This entire unit spread in a 4.5-acre area near Unjha, Gujarat. This company offers one stop solutions to its clients. From Procurement to cleaning and from cleaning to storage everything at one place. So MRP Agrotech Industries can be called a customer driven company. MRP Agrotech Industries is BRC Certified and got “A” grade. The new offering from the company is IPM products. They run contract farming for IPM products in Gujarat. Sh Prakshal Patwa guided participants through the various plant processing units, including cleaning, grading, and packaging areas. The focus was on producing export-quality material, primarily for countries like the US and UK.

A group of NABARD funded 12 FPOs and their representative farmers from 10 districts of Rajasthan were trained and showcased the agri export, manufacturing and processing facilities at Unjha, Gujarat on 20th & 21st November 2024. कृषि निर्यात प्रशिक्षण was organised jointly by NABARD Agri Export Facilitation Centre (AEFC), Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the Spices Board of India, Federation of Indian Spice Stakeholders (FISS) and APMC Unjha & implemented by South Asia Biotechnology Centre (SABC), Jodhpur. More than 50 representatives from 12 Rajasthan based FPOs participated in the program with well-known exporters based at Unjha in Gujarat.

The inaugural session was attended by Sh. Rahul Patil, NABARD DDM (Mehsana); Sh Subodh Shah of APEDA, Smt. Sapna Tomar, Deputy Director (Gujarat) of Spices Board of India, Sh S.N Jhala In-Charge Registar, Sh Ujas Acharya Secretary APMC Unjha, Dr Bhagirath Choudhary of South Asia Biotechnology Centre (SABC), Jodhpur, Dr Subhash Chandra, National Plant Protection Officer (NPPO) of Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare of Government of India, Sh U Karthik, Vice Chairman and Sh Tejus Gandhi, Secretary of Federation of Indian Spices Stakeholders (FISS) and Sh Rais Ahmed, export expert. While the representatives of multi-stakeholder institutions in agri value chain system extended warm welcome to FPOs and their member farmers from Rajasthan, the member exporters of FISS based at APMC Unjha showed keen interest in purchasing exportable spices such as cumin, fennel, fenugreek, coriander, Nagauri paan methi and isabgol produced in Rajasthan. An agreement for production of pesticide residue free IPM cumin and sustainably-produced isabgol and on-farm sourcing of IPM spices and medicinal plants were concluded during the program in presence of many exporters.

Setting the agenda for facilitating agri export from Rajasthan, Dr. Bhagirath Choudhary, Founder Director of South Asia Biotechnology Centre and coordinator of NABARD AEFC shared his insights and views on the spices market system and opportunities in exporting the agro products from Rajasthan to other countries. He emphasized on the rigor in compliance of export norms such as sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures and quality standards by highlighting the adoption of traceability, sustainability and regenerative production practices. The state of Rajasthan should harness the increasing opportunities in export of agro-commodities, medicinal and aromatic plants and seed spices by ensuring production of organic and pesticide residue-free spices that can be promoted as IPM branded spices, noted Dr Choudhary.

Mr. Rahul Patil, DDM (Mehsana) NABARD RO, Gujarat discussed the FPO as a business development entity and highlighted the issues faced during export such as lack of management skill, experience and value addition of the agro products. He also discussed the role of NABARD in investment and financing through NABFIN & NABKisan, equity grant support to FPOs, NCDs support for storage, transport & management for long term facilitated products emphasizing on branding and processing of spices for export purpose.

Familiarizing the FPOs and their members, Sh. Subodh Shah of Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Gujarat discussed about the role of APEDA in agri export, its mandated agro commodities and how to start export business and registrations for membership and certification which are essential in the process of export along with the facilities provided by APEDA. Further elaborating on the quality norms and export procedures to guide FPOs, Smt. Sapna Tomar, Deputy Director of Spices Board of India presented a thorough discussion on comprehensive guidelines for spice export from India and highlighted the potential of spice crops in export, rising demands, value addition and technology advancement of export quality spice products.

Accelerating production and export of spices compliant to international standard, Dr Subhash Chandra, Plant Protection Officer (NPPO) recommended FPOs & farmers to adopt judicious use of pesticides, follow proper dosages & package of practices, phytosanitary certificate and plant quarantine measure during the process of production and export. Moreover, Sh. Tejas Gandhi, Secretary of FISS, Unjha invited FPOs and farmers to be part of the value chain of spices including the aggregation & primary processing and develop a common industry-farmer platform to elevate the export of spices sourced from Rajasthan. The production of organic and IPM based spices by reducing the pesticidal usage and traceability in order to avoid the contamination in the export quality products to promote the premium prices and profitability gain inclined in the favor of farmers and primary producers, emphasized Sh Gandhi.

The release of the guidebook “The Agri Exporters Roadmap: From Local to Global” authorized by Dr Bhagirath Choudhary and Sapna Bohra of NABARD AEFC and shared with all the participants FPOs and farmers during the inaugural session.

Furthermore, a comprehensive technical session comprising every step in the flow chart of export procedure was discussed by an export expert Sh. Rais Ahmed from Jodhpur with exploration of documentation, registration and export order processing during the program. A live demonstration at an Indian trade portal was done including information such as trade agreements, export policy of India and insurance related to the export system.

Other technical sessions focused on the overview of opportunities and challenges in agricultural exports from India, Government plan, schemes, processing and export related investment and financing of agricultural commodities by ICICI bankers, Sh. Alpesh Naik and Sh. Dhaval Kumar Patel. The discussions were oriented towards SPS, plant quarantine and phytosanitary certificate for export of agri-commodities.

The concluding session was done in the presence of chief guest Sh Mahesh Gandhi, a philanthropist, Sh Ujas Archaraya, Secretary APMC Unjha, Sh Subodh Shah of APEDA & Dr Bhagirath Choudhary of SABC where each member representing FPOs from Rajasthan was awarded a certificate of participation jointly from NABARD AEFC, SABC Jodhpur & FISS, Unjha during the valedictory session concluded with vote of thanks by Ms Sapna Bohra of NABARD Agri Export Facilitation Centre, Jodhpur.

“Nagaur-Sirohi Kisan Samriddhi Yatra'' (नागौर-सिरोही किसान समृद्धि यात्रा) was organized to boost quality fennel production, value chain development and export from Rajasthan. The National Bank For Agriculture & Rural Development's Agri Export Facilitation Centre AEFC in collaboration with Department of Biotechnology, India's Biotech Kisan Hub for Aspirational District organized “Nagaur-Sirohi Kisan Samriddhi Yatra'', first of its kind exchange program between two districts participated by more than two dozen of fennel growing farmers from Khajwana-Merta region of Nagaur to Sirohi district of Rajasthan.

The Kisan Samriddhi Yatra showcased the improved production practices, integrated nutrient management, multiple umbel cuttings, low-cost vertical shed drying technique, grading and post-harvest management adopted by the progressive fennel growing farmers of Sirohi district at the demonstration farm of DBT Biotech Kisan Hub farmer Sh Ishaq Ali at Village Kachholi, Tehsil Pindwara, District Sirohi on 23rd March, 2024. Other collaborating institution participated in the Kisan Samriddhi Yatra included Department of Biotechnology’s Biotech Kisan Hub for Aspirational District of Sirohi; ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur Regional Research Station (RRS), Pali; Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Sirohi; NABARD Sirohi and South Asia Biotechnology Centre (SABC), Jodhpur.

For the last two seasons, Nagaur is emerging as a major grower of fennel crop registering a significant increase in area under fennel from the last five years average area of 9,441 hectares to 26,672 hectares in 2023-24, an increase of 282.51% mostly grown in Gwaloo, Sankhwas, Khajwana, Roon, Nimbari and Merta tehsil of Nagaur district. Other prominent clusters of fennel production in Rajasthan are Bilara tehsil of Jodhpur, Jaitaran tehsil of Pali district and Sirohi district of Rajasthan. The major issues confronted by the fennel growing farmers of Nagaur include the low quality seeds, non-standardized production practices, non-recommended fertilizer and irrigation management, diseases and pests in fennel, mono-cutting and direct sun-drying technique resulting in low quality and non-remunerative market prices.

The demo farm visit was preceded by the inauguration and welcome of the key stakeholders and farmers who traveled a long distance from around 10 villages of Nagaur to the district of Sirohi. Participating farmers were felicitated with Gamcha, fennel grading chart and fennel kit distributed by NABARD DDM Sh Dinesh Parajapat in the presence of other dignitaries. Each farmer received the certificate of appreciation and participation prepared jointly by NABARD, CAZRI and South Asia Biotechnology Centre. The interactive session focused on high yielding disease resistant fennel variety Abu Saunf-440, paired row planting, good cropping practices, IPM, IDM and INM techniques, multiple umbel cuttings, grading, storage and packaging. The quality fennel produced in Sirohi district possesses key characteristics such as lustrous green seed colour, bold size and intense aroma which fetches high return to farmers of Sirohi and exported from India. The low-cost vertical drying under shed house made up of crop residue, ropes and bamboo is an indigenous traditional knowledge (ITK) practice improvised with scientific knowledge to help farmers to produce premium quality green fennel as recommended by DBT Biotech Kisan Hub for Aspirational District.

While appreciating the knowledge sharing initiative by NABARD AEFC, Sh Dinesh Prajapat, NABARD DDM Sirohi called upon the farmers of Nagaur to take full benefits of farmer producer organization (FPO) and self-help group (SHG), safeguard crop from the natural damage under crop insurance scheme & bank credit under KCC provided by NABARD Online. He invited farmers to adopt a troika of strategies focusing on Takneek, Bank and Bazaar for improving quality production and higher income.

The Nagaur-Sirohi Kisan Samraddhi Yatra is a first of its kind “seeing is believing” concept promoted by NABARD-AEFC to share best practices and innovative techniques for quality fennel production between the districts of Sirohi and Nagaur, emphasized Bhagirath Choudhary of South Asia Biotechnology Centre, Jodhpur. Learning from cumulative field experiences from the fennel farmers of Sirohi would enable farmers of Nagaur to quickly adopt scientific methods of production and drying technique of fennel for improved price realization and higher income, added Bhagirath Choudhary. The improper seed setting in fennel due to low pollination in the area by the natural pollinators, adoption of beehives in case of pollinator congestion, maintenance of crop geometry with proper plant to plant & row to row spacing similar to paired row planting in Sirohi, micronutrient application at the time of flowering and seed setting for the production of lustrous and bold fennel seeds and installation of low-cost vertical shed drying technique used by the Sirohi fennel growing farmers can be quickly emulated by farmers of Nagaur, alluded Bhagirath Choudhary.

Dr. Kamini Prashar of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sirohi suggested farmers to adopt precision-based irrigation practices in fennel cropping system, improvised cutting method and cutting interval for better quality fennel and grading of the produce to maximize return and profitability. She called on farmers to undertake seed treatment for the management of gummosis and advised farmers to apply pesticide spray at the time of pre-flowering and post-flowering as part of integrated pest management to avoid disturbance of natural pollinators and also effectively manage pesticide residue in fennel crop.

Dr. Kamla Choudhary of CAZRI RRS Pali discussed the implementation of Biotech Kisan Hub project in Sirohi district, shared her insights about fennel production techniques to implement them in the field of Nagaur for the quality improvement and production and emphasized on quality seeds, raised-bed cultivation and use of low-cost vertical drying method.

The Nagaur-Sirohi Kisan Samarddhi Yatra concluded with the visit to the low-cost vertical shed drying structure and field demonstration plot of variety Abu Saunf-440 guided by progressive farmer Sh Ishaq Ali, who has developed the variety and demonstrated GAP, IPM and INM of quality fennel production under DBT Biotech Kisan Hub for Aspirational district of Sirohi.

The exchange program was led by Sh Dinesh Prajapat, NABARD-DDM Sirohi; Dr Kamla Choudhary of CAZRI-RRS, Pali, Dr Kamini Prashar of KVK, Sirohi, & Dr Bhagirath Choudhary from South Asia Biotechnology Centre, Jodhpur and other colleagues of NABARD-AEFC and SABC included Ms Sapna Bohra; Ms Shreya Mishra; Kanteti Suryananda Bharadwaj and Dr Naresh Dudi along with progressive farmers of Sirohi Sh Ibraham Ali, Sh Sayed Kayam Hussain Jaidi, Hitesh Kumar, Sampat Puri and Sh Talib Ali held at the farm of Biotech Kisan Hub demo farmer Sh Ishaq Ali, Village Kaccholi, Tehsil Pindwara, District-Sirohi along with 25 progressive fennel farmers from 10 villages of Khajwana-Merta belt of Nagaur district of Western Rajasthan.

As part of Anar Shodh Yatra, pomegranate farmers of Rajasthan traveled 4,527 kms from Jodhpur-Balotra-Pune- Baramati-Solapur-Pandharpur-Solapur-Pune and finally culminates at Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth - MPKV Rahuri's College Of Agriculture, Pune – the century old College of Agriculture, a heritage building, is one of five constituent Colleges of the Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth - MPKV Rahuri, Maharashtra. Two dozen pomegranate farmers from Rajasthan visited various facilities of College of Agriculture, Pune and interacted with young students of various disciplines of agriculture and enjoyed the enriching culture and heritage of College of Agriculture, Pune.

Farmers of Rajasthan sincerely conveyed their deepest gratitude to Hon'ble Vice Chancellor Dr PG Patil of Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth - MPKV Rahuri; Dean of College of Agriculture; faculty; staff and students for organizing a memorable and productive visit.

Two dozen pomegranate farmers visited INI Farms, the leading brand of pomegranate arils which contribute almost one third of exportable pomegranate and arils along with others exporters such as Sam Agritech Ltd, Kay Bee Exports Phaltan, Sahyadri Farms and Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd. etc as India exports almost ₹800 crore of pomegranate to various market opening up opportunities to expand business for arils, whole fruits, juices and pome oil across the world.

The staff organization personnel including Mr. Rajendra Kakade, General Manager Ph operation and Mr. Atul Wable, General Manager Quality Assurance guided the farm visit and Mr. Dhananjay Nigade, Manager Fruit Procurement explained farmers about residue free fruit procurement from different states for improved price realization in International market. The visit concluded with rousing thanks by Mr. Indravdhan Jadav celebrated with coconut and shalva for every farmer.

The team along with scientific staffs of NRCP visited Yara Crop Nutrition Centre (YCNC) operated by Krushna Godavari Cooperative Society at Pandharpur, Solapur which caters to the ‘Pomegranate Nutrition Management’ spread across Pandharpur, Sangli, Karad, Raibag, Nanded and Kolhapur. Mr Vikas Khairnar, Agronomy Lead (West Zone) of Yara India called upon farmers to adopt a complete pomegranate nutrition management plan to harvest big size and good quality fruits, shared detailed information, demonstrated various products and agronomy practices and exchanged knowledge with the farmers from Rajasthan. The Yara India team distributed pamphlets and displayed products both in granular, powder and liquid form containing complex macro and micro nutrients for the overall development of the orchard and quality fruits. Subsequently he and his team members including Mr. Vijay, Agronomist and Mr. Aditya, Sales Executive of Yara India organized a visit to the pomegranate demonstration field and had on-site discussion on overall management of the pomegranate orchard.

The pomegranate study tour reached ancient temple of “Shri Vitthal-Rukmini'' to seek guidance and blessing from the divinity of Vithoba Rakhumai, who is also known as “Panduranga'' – a form of the god Vishnu or his avatar Krishna accompanied by his consort Rakhumai. Situated on the banks of Chandrabhaga River, the temple is also known as the Southern Kashi of India is located in Pandharpur tehsil of Solapur district of Maharashtra.

Around two dozen of pomegranate farmers from Rajasthan visited M/s AgroStar Pune which extended warm welcome and grand hospitality to the team. Dr. Bhagirath Choudhary, Founder Director of South Asia Biotechnology Centre and the team attended the ceremony as chief guest, in the gracious presence of Sh. Shardul Sheth- Co-Founder and CEO of AgroStar and Dr. Dev Raj Arya, Head of Farm Solution Agronomy team, Sh. Sunil Jain, head of IT dept, Ms. Vineeta Dalmia, Incharge of hardware business and senior management, Head of various departments and staffs of AgroStar at Pune, Maharashtra. The new product launched by AgroStar ‘Commando MusiX’, is a multiple function rechargeable torch with dual lightning functions, bluetooth enabled music system, USB port and FM Radio aiding night vision in field with 1km visual site view. Followed by the product launch ceremony, Dr. Amit Kumar guided the team to the R&D facility and briefed them about efforts taken forward by AgroStar.

Dr. Vinay Supe, Breeder of Bhagva and Super Bhagwa variety of Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth – MPKV Rahuri interacted with the team and outlined the breeding practices and evolution of different varieties of Pomegranate. Dr. Atul Temgire, Lead Farm Solution of AgroStar presented on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and the key factors influencing fruit quality. The visit to quality control laboratory, AgroStar model retail shop and detailed interactions on further engagement with value chain development of pomegranate in Rajasthan with Mr. Shardul Sheth, Dr Dev Raj Arya (Head of Farm Solution Agronomy team) and Sh. Sunil Jain (head of IT dept) aided to gain knowledge on soil science, the problems of soil, pH maintenance of soil, types of soil, soil treatment, etc. The team was enriched with the knowledge of different types of diseases in Pomegranate and their management. The experts including Dr. Vipin Joshi and Mr. Tushar Bhatt disseminated information on seed germination, new technologies, upgraded seeds, new farm implements etc.

Mr Sunil Jain (AgroStar application Developer) explained on the AgroStar app., backed by an extensive amount of data and agronomy knowledge of 66 different crops, the app. is leveraged by more than 5 million farmers. The mobile platform provides a combination of agronomy advice from agri experts with agriculture information including current market price for the crops, latest subsidies and other facilities sponsored by the government and acts as an online marketplace for different agri products bringing in farmers and retailers to improve productivity and income. Dr. Devraj Arya, Vice President of AgroStar briefed the team about the network and working system including 10 fulfillment centers, more than 6000 retail stores and 8000 pin codes served by the organization in India.

In the last phase of the visit, Mr. Shardul Sheth added comments on the success of the visit “Good Horticultural Practices for Quality Pomegranate Production and Value Addition” propelling a sense of motivation and interest to the pomegranate growers of Western Rajasthan. He deduced information on production and features of ‘A’ grade pomegranate and concluded by sharing his experiences on the export chain. Apart from earning knowledge from the scientists and experts, the skill development visit imparted a deep imprint about the current scenario of pomegranate cultivation, optimization of field practices for quality production and export.

A team of experts from AEFC NABARD visited the farm and facilities of M/s Jaitarn Farmers Producer Company Ltd, village Lototi of Jaitran tehsil of Pali district on 04th March 2023. AEFC have had detailed discussions and exchange of views about the business model of FPO and also visited fields of Dragon fruits and Moringa plantation of Jaitaran, FPO, supported by NABARD under Central scheme of FPOs.

Dr Choudhary interacted with Mr Hamendra Singh, CEO of Jaitaran FPO and shared his ideas of accelerating business opportunities by registering under NABARD and Spices Board of India. Officials from the Spices Board of India also shared various programs and schemes with Jaitaran FPO.