Kenyan team visits Waigaon turmeric farms

 

 

Taking a historic step towards strengthening India–Africa agricultural trade cooperation, the World Bank–assisted SMART Project under the Department of Agriculture, Government of Maharashtra, in collaboration with ATMA Wardha and the Exim Farmer Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EFICCI), organised an international farm visit at Waigaon, Wardha district. The objective of the visit was to promote the GI-tagged Waigaon turmeric - a renowned agricultural product of Maharashtra - and to explore its international export potential. On the occasion, the visitors in-principally agreed to place an initial order of Waigaon turmeric (10 tonne), black rice (5 tonnes) and Chinnor rice (10 tonne) worth Rs 20 lakh benefitting over 250 farmers of the region. The consignment is likely to be sent next month.

 

The Kenyan delegation included Peris Chepngetich, Founder & CEO – Pals Agriculture Ltd (Kenya); Gideon Langat, Operations Director – Hyphonic Company Ltd (Kenya); and Pravin Changdeorao Wankhade, Chairman – EFICCI. The delegation visited the Krushonoti Farmer Producer Company, Waigaon, and the Vidarbha Natural Farmer Producer Company, Girad. Peris Chepngetich said, “The commitment of Waigaon’s women farmers to sustainable agriculture, their efforts in maintaining soil fertility, and their eco-friendly turmeric cultivation methods are truly inspiring.” Pravin Wankhade, stated, “EFICCI will continue to support Waigaon Turmeric farmers through Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), modern packaging, market linkages, and capacity building.” Dr Nalini Bhoyar, Project Director – ATMA, Wardha, explained in detail the importance of Waigaon turmeric. The programme was attended by Rohan Zanzare, Nodal Officer, SMART Project, Wardha; Swapnil Torane, Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer, Hinganghat, and several officials and experts from the Agriculture Department.