On March 11, 2023, an Export Oriented Capacity Development Program was held in Gaighata Block. The event was graced by the presence of esteemed agricultural scientist Dr. O.T. Singh, Deputy Director and In-Charge of the Regional Plant Quarantine Station, Kolkata, Government of India. Also in attendance were Mr. Shrikant Mondal, Assistant Manager of APEDA, and several import-export experts. The event saw a large turnout of farmers from the Gaighata block.

Dr. O.T. Singh was warmly welcomed with a ceremonial scarf by Pratima Chakraborty, the treasurer of the Gobardanga Seba Farmers’ Samity. All officers present were also presented with mementos. The main program commenced with the lighting of the lamp. The introductory speech was delivered by Shri. Gobinda Lal Majumdar, the secretary of the Gobardanga Seba Farmers’ Samity, who outlined the core objectives of the event.

Following this, Mr. Shrikant Mondal explained the role and objectives of APEDA to the farmers, highlighting its efforts in agricultural development. Exporters then educated the farmers on the quality standards required for their produce to be suitable for export markets.

Dr. O.T. Singh, in his keynote address, emphasized the importance of using fertilizers in the right proportions, as the quality of exported vegetables depends on the quantity of fertilizers and pesticides used. He advocated for the use of organic fertilizers over synthetic ones, noting that this not only enhances the quality of the produce but also improves growth and other attributes. The farmers eagerly absorbed the valuable insights from both the exporters and the agricultural scientist.

The event concluded with the final speech delivered by Shri. Himadri Gomasta, President of the Gobardanga Seba Farmers’ Samity, bringing the program to a close on a positive note.