Telangana seeks to increase rice exports and trade with Philippines: Uttam Kumar Reddy
Telangana and the Philippines discussed expanding rice exports and bilateral trade, with Telangana offering large-scale, quality supplies. Officials will address pricing, logistics, certification and sanitary requirements, while increased exports could benefit farmers, rice millers and food-processing industries.
Hyderabad: Food & Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy met Francisco P Tu Laurel Jr., Secretary of Agriculture of the Republic of the Philippines and a member of the Philippine Cabinet, in New Delhi on Tuesday.
The two leaders held detailed discussions on the possibility of increasing rice exports and also increasing trade between Telangana and Philippines.
Uttam explained that Telangana had emerged as one of India’s leading paddy-producing states and possessed the production capacity, modern rice-milling infrastructure and experience required to supply high-quality rice in substantial quantities. Secretary Laurel responded positively to the proposal and indicated that the Philippines would examine the possibility of sourcing larger quantities of rice from Telangana. The two sides discussed how the proposal could be taken forward through the appropriate government agencies, recognised importers, exporters and rice millers.
The discussions assume importance in view of the Philippines’ substantial requirement for imported rice and its efforts to diversify its international sources of supply. Uttam Kumar Reddy said Telangana could offer competitive prices, dependable quality and timely delivery and could emerge as a trusted long-term supplier of rice to the Philippines.
The meeting also covered rice varieties, quality standards, pricing, procurement mechanisms, logistics, certification procedures and sanitary and phytosanitary requirements. Both sides agreed that officials and industry representatives should examine these issues and prepare a practical roadmap for translating the discussions into concrete trade opportunities.
Uttam Kumar Reddy said expanding agricultural exports would create new opportunities for Telangana’s farmers, rice millers, seed companies, food-processing industries and other participants in the rural economy.
“Our objective is to create dependable and remunerative international markets for Telangana’s farmers and agricultural industries. Telangana has the production capacity, processing infrastructure and entrepreneurial strength to become a reliable long-term supplier of rice and other agricultural products to the Philippines,” he said.
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Source : The Hans India
