Srinagar, Dec 16 (KNN) With the objective to increase annual agricultural exports from the state, the Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday formed an expert committee to frame an export promotion policy for the Union Territory.

The primary aim of the administration is to identify agricultural commodities and increase the agricultural exports from Rs 190 crore currently to Rs 3,000 crore over the next five years, a senior officer said.

"The assignment of the committee would be to develop commodity-specific export promotion recommendations which shall include strategic and operational aspects of the export and shall provide all necessary technical inputs to the agriculture production department within one month for finalization and implementation on the ground," he said.

The policy would promote the brand "Jammu and Kashmir" for its pristine agro-climatic conditions, uniqueness and near-organic quality.

The export policy will focus on market access initiatives through assistance by export promotion organizations, trade promotion organizations, national level institutions, research institutions, universities, laboratories and exporters for enhancement of exports by accessing new markets or by increasing the share in the existing markets.

As per reports, the UT administration is aiming to bring a paradigm shift in the approach from mere harvesting and selling of produce at the local level to a demand-driven supply activity with focused attention on GI tagging, processing, stringent quality control, international certifications, traceability, branding and marketing of the produce.  (KNN Bureau)