The agricultural export sector in Uttarakhand is bound to experience an expansion of the state economy, with the state announcing a new phytosanitary laboratory. The plant will be very instrumental in testing and certifying fruits, vegetables and any other horticultural products to ensure that they are of international safety and quality. According to the authorities, the step will boost the export potential of the state on a large scale and would benefit thousands of farmers who are engaged in the horticultural sector.
The exporters are currently having the burden of exporting their produce to other states, which requires mandatory phytosanitary tests. This not only delays shipments but also adds to transportation and certification expenses. Perishable goods usually lose their quality in the process of these long procedures, thus making their value in the market less. The establishment of a local phytosanitary lab should remove these barriers, which should receive quicker certification and simplify the process of exporting the products.
The laboratory will analyze the produce of pests, diseases, and pesticide residues, among other contaminants, as per the requirements of importing countries once it is operational. These are tests required in the acquisition of phytosanitary certificates, which enable the goods to penetrate international markets. Since the facility is situated in the state, exporters will receive faster outcomes and stop being dependent on external agencies.
In Uttarakhand, there is a high quality of apples, pears, plums, off-season vegetables, and organic produce, which are cultivated in its hill districts. The state government is also of the opinion that a better certification infrastructure will enable farmers to have greater confidence in accessing global markets. The higher exports will improve the income of farmers, diversification and the rural economy.
It was also emphasized that the new lab will serve the overall plot of the government to promote Uttarakhand as a centre of horticulture and agri-export. The plant will liaise with agricultural universities and the horticulture departments to ensure high standards of tests and support the best farming practices.
Over the recent years, Uttarakhand has been able to export some sales of consignments of apples and vegetables, which gives a signal of the high demand for its products in the international market. Nevertheless, the lack of testing capacity was a significant challenge to increasing the level of exports. The set-up of a phytosanitary lab is regarded as a radical measure that will deal with this bottleneck.
Since the new laboratory is expected to be operational in the near future, the state has a chance to increase its representation in the world markets of agriculture. This not only facilitates export processes but also creates new opportunities for the farming community, which is a big milestone in the development of agriculture in Uttarakhand.
