MIND VOICE NEWS-Pune farmer's success story: Exporting farm produce to Europe

The agricultural sector in India is witnessing a revolution, with farmers adopting new technologies, innovative methods and breaking conventional barriers to reach out to new markets. One such farmer is Prashant Hambire from Pune, Maharashtra who is now exporting his farm produce to European countries. Hambire, who belongs to a family of farmers, has been working in the field for over a decade and has successfully cultivated different types of exotic fruits and vegetables on his farm.

In recent years, Hambire has been actively exploring opportunities to export his produce and has collaborated with various agencies to expand his reach beyond the Indian market. His efforts paid off when he received an order from a buyer in the Netherlands for his fresh fruits and vegetables. Initially, Hambire was apprehensive about fulfilling the order due to the complex documentation and quality control standards that are required for export. However, he was determined to make it work and decided to learn the necessary skills to meet the export requirements.

To start exporting, Hambire had to ensure that his farm produce met the stringent quality and safety standards of the European Union. He started by getting his soil tested for any traces of heavy metals and chemical pesticides. Once he was satisfied with the results, he focused on implementing good agricultural practices (GAP) such as crop rotation, organic farming and sustainable irrigation methods. Hambire also invested in modern farming equipment and implemented precision farming techniques to ensure consistent quality and yield.

In addition to meeting the quality standards, Hambire had to navigate the complex regulatory and logistical challenges of exporting perishable goods. He had to obtain various certifications such as Global Good Agricultural Practices (GLOBALG.A.P.) and the Food Safety System Certification (FSSC 22000) to ensure compliance with the export regulations. Hambire also had to coordinate with various logistics partners to ensure that his produce was transported in a timely and efficient manner, while maintaining the quality and freshness of the produce.

Hambire’s success in exporting his produce has opened up new avenues for other farmers to explore international markets. By collaborating with various government agencies, farmers can now take advantage of various schemes and initiatives to export their farm produce to different countries. The Indian government has also been promoting the ‘Agri Export Policy’ to facilitate exports of agricultural products from the country.
Prashant Hambire’s success story is a testament to the potential of the Indian agriculture sector and the entrepreneurial spirit of its farmers. With the right support and resources, farmers in India can tap into the global market and compete with their international counterparts. Hambire’s determination and willingness to learn have enabled him to break new ground in the export of fresh produce, and his story is an inspiration to other farmers to explore new opportunities and push the boundaries of what is possible.

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