Mumbai, May 6 (PTI) Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane on Wednesday directed officials to expedite measures to boost exports of agricultural and marine products through Jaigad Port in Ratnagiri district, highlighting its importance in providing global market access to produce from the Konkan region.
Chairing a meeting at Mantralaya, the Fisheries and Ports Minister said the port could play a key role in exporting cashew, Alphonso mango and fish products, and stressed the need for coordinated and time-bound action across departments.
Rane emphasised strengthening infrastructure, such as cold chain systems, inspection facilities, logistics and port services to ensure seamless export processes. He said better coordination among departments would be essential to improve efficiency and quality of export operations.
Noting that Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts are major producers of mangoes and cashews, and that Alphonso mangoes enjoy strong global demand, the minister said fisheries also form a crucial part of Konkan’s economy.
He underlined the need to complete the export project within a defined timeline to enable direct access to international markets.
Rane said a robust export system would help farmers and fishermen secure better prices for their produce and directed authorities to prioritise creation of necessary infrastructure. He also asked officials to ensure there are no bottlenecks in initiating actual export operations.
The minister further called for awareness campaigns among cashew growers, mango farmers and fishing communities regarding the project. He expressed confidence that access to international markets would boost incomes and accelerate the overall economic development of the Konkan region.
Describing the project as vital for the region’s future, Rane said it would contribute significantly to the state’s export growth and instructed officials to implement it in a planned and time-bound manner, a press release issued after the meeting said. PTI MR NP
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