The Northeast Conclave cum Buyer-Seller Meet, organized by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in collaboration with the Assam Agriculture Department, took place in Guwahati. Assam Agriculture Minister Atul Bora inaugurated the event, emphasizing its significance for positioning Assam and the Northeast as global exporters of Agri-horticultural products. He highlighted the region’s export potential, showcasing products such as Joha rice, Komal Cahul, Black Rice, litchi, orange, ginger, and pineapple, all supported by organic farming practices. Bora noted that unlocking this potential necessitates strong infrastructure, market access, and collaboration, particularly through APEDA. He pointed out that Assam’s farmer-friendly, export-oriented policies have led to significant growth in exports, making the state the fastest-growing economy in India according to RBI data. Assam’s GI-tagged products and its strategic location as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia present vast cross-border trade opportunities, reinforced by the Advantage Assam 2.0 initiative. Bora asserted that Buyer-Seller Meets are pivotal in connecting farmers and FPOs with global markets, enhancing prices, value addition, and minimizing post-harvest losses. He urged a review of APEDA’s programs to better suit Assam’s agricultural context and maximize benefits for local farmers, thereby strengthening the state’s agriculture-based economy. The event was attended by senior officials, delegates from various Northeastern states, foreign representatives, stakeholders, exporters, importers, FPCs, and progressive farmers.
