Comprehensive model of Mercabarna is inspirational for Madhya Pradesh: Chief Minister Dr. Yadav
Bhopal: Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that the comprehensive model of Mercabarna located in Barcelona can be useful for Madhya Pradesh. In view of the increasing agricultural production in Madhya Pradesh, there is a need for better ‘post-harvest management’ and export system. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said this during his visit to Mercabarna on the third day of his stay in Spain. This institute is Europe’s leading food logistics hub spread over 250 acres, where the systems of production, storage, processing and distribution operate in an integrated manner. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that today Madhya Pradesh has the challenge not only of production, but also of value addition after harvesting, processing, storage, and access to global markets. In this direction, Mercabarna’s experience comes forward as a model, taking inspiration from which the food producers of the state can be prepared for global competition. Mercabarna CEO expressed interest in Madhya Pradesh. Mercabarna CEO Pablo Villanova, while greeting Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, said that there are strong possibilities of cooperation between India and Spain in areas like agricultural logistics, food processing and market infrastructure. They expressed special interest in Madhya Pradesh and agreed on bilateral knowledge partnership in future.
Models like farm-to-fork will be implemented- Chief Minister Dr. Yadav appreciated the best practices adopted by Mercabarna in areas like ‘farm-to-fork’ model, cold chain system, quality control, traceability and food safety. He said that these innovations will be incorporated in the mega food parks, agribusiness clusters and rural industry centers being developed in Madhya Pradesh.
Inspiration in the field of food waste control and innovation too- Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also observed the food bank operated in Mercabarna, zero waste management system and incubation model prepared for food-tech startups. He said that these arrangements will strengthen the innovation-based agricultural policy in Madhya Pradesh.
Solid strategy for export and global reach- Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that there are immense possibilities of export of wheat, rice, fruits, vegetables and processed food in the state. Taking inspiration from centers like Mercabarna, products of international quality will be manufactured in Madhya Pradesh while reducing post-harvest loss.
Open invitation for investment and partnership- Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, while inviting Mercabarna management to invest in Madhya Pradesh, said that Madhya Pradesh is ready for global partnerships by assimilating the mantra of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The state government is also promoting private sector participation and technological investment in the agriculture sector.
New phase of agriculture-based industrial progress- This journey of Chief Minister Dr. Yadav is setting the stage for a new phase of agriculture-based development. Now Madhya Pradesh is not only a production-based state, but is also making its presence felt as a strong partner in the global food supply chain. The leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Yadav is realizing the vision of ‘Advantage MP’ by coordinating agriculture, innovation and export.
