New study on cheaper banana packaging

In India, the Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda), has established a collaborative study with the Indian Institute of Packaging to design cost-effective packaging, especially for the banana farming industry, one of the most important agricultural products in the country.

The plan was unveiled by R. Ravindra, assistant general manager, Apeda, who presented a paper on the 'Role of Apeda in enhanced export of banana and its products' at a technical workshop conducted by the Department of Industries, Kerala, and the Kerala Bureau of Industrial Promotion.

Acting in tandem with the Central Food Technology Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore, Apeda has developed mean of improving post-harvest and transportation protocol for banana exports, which have included an emphasis on the packaging process.Trial shipment of bananas in refrigerated container has also been carried out this year, he said.

Among other initiatives, is the launching of e-commerce, which offers facilities such as virtual trade fairs, Web chat and directories for importers and exporters.

The AEZs (Agri-Export Zones) have been proposed as part of a package to facilitate exports and to encourage further private investment in the sector. They seek to utilise existing interventions by various agencies in a coordinated manner to promote exports through partnerships of farmers, processors, exporters, State Government agencies and Central agencies.

The AEZ scheme will benefit the States by ensuring better returns to the farmer, generating more employment opportunities and better flow of funds from the Centre, Ravindra said.To date, about 40 AEZs have been set up in various parts of the country and a few more were in the pipeline for being considered for final approval, he said.