export of joharice

Joha rice heads for European markets
By A Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, May 4 – In what is expected to be a big boost for the State’s farming sector, the first consignment of organic joha rice, meant for export to Germany, Switzerland and the UK, left for Delhi today. The paddy, known for its aroma, was processed at the state-of-the art unit at Amingaon, North Guwahati.

“For marketing of this organic paddy, Agriculture Products Exports Development Agency (APEDA) had invited organic exporters, and Sunstar Overseas Limited of Haryana showed interest to by the produce. The joha will be exported to Germany, Switzerland and the UK,” sources in the Agriculture Department told The Assam Tribune.

The pilot project of organic paddy cultivation was initiated by the Agriculture Department in Darrang (Udalguri), Sonitpur and North Lakhimpur districts over 91 hectares of land with the involvement of 154 farmers. “The farmers and departmental officials were given exposure to organic farming practices in Uttaranchal with support of the APEDA,” the sources said.

Formally flagging off the 17.5-MT consignment at Amingaon today, State Agriculture Minister Pramila Rani Brahma said that organic cultivation of potato and onion would be started soon in Bongaigaon district. “We want to give a boost opt the organic farming sector,” she said.

Brahma said that a terminal market would also be set up in Guwahati soon. “We have got the green signal from the Centre for the venture, and are looking for a suitable plot of minimum 150 bighas,” Brahma said.

The State produced 60 MT of organic produce this year (2006), as against 133 MT of last year. The decrease is due to the drought in 2006.

Organic farming, of late, has been boosted by the growing health consciousness and a concern for protecting the environment. Organic farming is a self-sustaining agricultural practice that does not involve chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The Government of India had launched the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) in 2000, which is being implemented by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for export under the FTDR Act.

The total area under organic management worldwide is 26 million hectares and there has been a ten per cent increase to it every year. In India, the area under certified organic farming is 2.5 million hectares, which produces over 3,77,859 MT certified products. The major products are tea, honey, rice, spices, walnut, sesame seeds and pineapple.