The Akhil Rajya Trade & Industry Association (Rajasthan), a trade body based in Rajasthan, has made an appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to establish 50 new agro-processing clusters in the state. The association emphasizes the significant contribution of agriculture and allied sectors, accounting for approximately 25 percent of Rajasthan's gross domestic product (GDP).
Prem Biyani, the executive president of the association, believes that the establishment of these food processing clusters will not only facilitate the export of high-quality products but also cater to the local market demands.
Biyani points out that this initiative will benefit farmers by ensuring better prices for their produce. By channeling government-supported agricultural products into these units, the burden on the government will also be reduced.
Rajasthan has already implemented an agro-processing, agri-business, and agri-export promotion policy. This policy provides various incentives and concessions, including capital subsidies, freight subsidies for the export of ordinary and organic produce, as well as interest subsidies for agro-processing units and infrastructure projects.
Additionally, agro-processing, agri-business, and agri-export units are eligible for a package of general financial incentives, including exemptions and subsidies.
Statistics reveal that Rajasthan contributes significantly to the production of various crops. The state accounts for 42 percent of the country's total bajra production, 45 percent of mustard, 22 percent of oilseeds, 17 percent of sesame, 19 percent of groundnut, 20 percent of chana, 13 percent of jawar, and 85 percent of guar. These figures highlight the state's agricultural prowess and potential for growth.
In the fiscal year 2021–22, Rajasthan recorded substantial production in key sectors. The state produced 956,000 tonnes of fruits, 2.37 million tonnes of vegetables, 1.04 million tonnes of spices, 25.4 million tonnes of food grains and pulses, and 10 million tonnes of oilseeds.
These impressive figures underline the importance of supporting agro-processing clusters to maximize the value of Rajasthan's agricultural output.
