SHILLONG: The NGT ban might have stymied coal mining in the State but a new avenue, and a less controversial one, has opened up for local entrepreneurs. Export of horticultural products is taking up pace after the mining restrictions, shows government data.
An official source of the Department of Horticulture told The Shillong Times, “After the ban on coal mining, it appears that there is a shift towards horticultural products as there is a lot of potential in exports. People are more aware that it is not only coal that can give them economic benefits.”
The issuance of ‘Phytosanitary certificate’, a mandatory document for export of horticultural products, by the Department has increased, said the official. “The certificate is to be issued by the Director of Horticulture only which will certify that the exported product is fit for human consumption,” the source said.
“In the previous years, fewer certificates were issued. However, this year many certificates were issued that signifies a changing trend of more entrepreneurs getting into the export of horticultural products,” the source said adding that ginger and tomato is exported to Bangladesh.
The official source has urged people to get familiarised with exporting horticultural goods and get acquainted with the Department that will provide them a platform to start doing business through fair means. “Import-export will improve revenue generation in the State as well,” the source added.
Elaborating on the certification process, the official said, “The importer-exporter will have to take their sample to Kolkata for the Radioactivity Test Certificate, which will then be sent to the Department. Based on the test certificate, the Director of Horticulture issues the Phytosanitary certificate to show that the goods can be exported.”
