Fresh produce supply chain major - Lawrencedale Agro Processing (LEAF) has hailed the budget announcement on the move to integrate horticulture farmers with agro processing units.
“The increased focus on this much needed aspect is a welcome sign. We, at Lawrencedale have been working on stemming the post harvest losses in fresh produce for over seven years by engaging thousands of small and marginal farmers towards improving their livelihood,” said its founder CEO Palat Vijayaraghavan.
LEAF handles more than 10,000 tonnes of fresh produce annually, sourced from 3,000-odd farmers.
The company is working with several state governments to improve the quality of fresh produce. “We have aligned with the government of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh to develop horticultural belts through public-private-partnership for integrated horticulture development. This announcement would give further impetus to this initiative,” he said.
The company extends expertise in crop cultivation and post harvest management.