South
Asia Watch on Trade Economics and Environment (SAWTEE) organized a half day discussion
programme on “Addressing Non-Tariff Barriers on Export of Ginger” on 14th
November 2014 in Kathmandu. The programme was organized to share the findings
of the research that has been conducted by SAWTEE, and gather feedback/suggestions
from the stakeholders in order to efficiently implement into the research
findings for its effectiveness. The programme was attended by about 43
participants representing government officials from Ministry of Commerce and
Supplies, Ministry of Agricultural Development, representatives of the private
sector such as Nepal Ginger Producers and Traders Association, members from
civil society organizations and the media.
While
presenting the research finding, Mr. Purushottam Ojha, leader of the research
team and Senior Consultant, SAWTEE, talked about the issues related to the production
of ginger in Nepal and its export barriers, particularly non-tariff barriers
(NTBs). He also discussed about some possible alternatives on improving supply
side capacity and removal of NTBs, such as creating local storage facilities,
diversifying market, harmonizing the standards, getting Mutual Recognition
Agreement (MRA) with trading partners, particularly with India, and stopping
the illegal taxes. Dr. Posh Raj Pandey, Executive Chairman, SAWTEE,
highlighted the medicinal values of ginger
and drew the attention of private sector, particularly, that of pharmaceutical
companies, to work on value addition which would create higher employment and
income in Nepal than what is being offered at present. He also pointed out the
importance of proper engagement and co-operation between all the relevant
stakeholders of Nepal and India at the local level to address the trade related
hassles being faced by the traders at customs points between Nepal and India.
Mr.
Toya Narayan Gyawali, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Commerce and Supplies
(MoCS), stated that there is a lack of agriculture related services and storage
facilities in Nepal. Therefore, around 30 percent of the ginger production is reported
to be wasted during post harvesting. He also highlighted that the dependency on
India for ginger exports and the price fluctuation are the major challenges
that Nepal has been facing for its exports. Similarly, Mr. Pradeep Jung Pandey,
President, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI),
pointed out the need to focus on value addition activities and product
diversification for better prices. He also suggested identifying the specific pocket
villages or districts among the areas where ginger is being cultivated
currently so that specialization in its production and extension services by
the government would be more effective. Stating that about 86 percent of NTBs
in South Asia is related to Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures, Dr. Hiramani
Ghimire, Executive Director, SAWTEE, pointed out the need for improving
countrys quality standards testing facilities.
During the programme, Mr. Narendra Khadka, President, Nepal Ginger Producers and Traders Association (NGPTA), informed that Nepal is importing ginger from China whereas significant percentage of countrys production perishes because of the lack of facilitation in its export. He further underlined the importance of proper inter country border agency co-operation to facilitate the export of ginger. He also discussed the practical problems being faced by the traders at different places from production districts to the custom points. Likewise, Mr. Tanka Prasad Sharma, General Secretary, Jadibuti Association of Nepal (JABAN), emphasized the need for new technologies and training programmes for farmers to improve post harvest management and reduce the wastage of ginger. Similarly, Dr. Pradyumna Raj Pandey, Senior Agricultural Economist, Ministry of Agricultural Development (MoAD), suggested the need for various stakeholders to work under Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) model and the need for agriculture based industries to work according to a systematic business plan.
During
the open-floor discussion, the participants stressed on the importance of
devising projects / training programmes targeted to the vulnerable groups such
as small farmers and women who are involved in ginger production. They also suggested
the need to strengthen research and development in various issues of production
such as viability of commercial farming, improvement of seed quality, disease control,
and effects of macro-climatic reactions to ginger production, among others. In
addition, other issues discussed during the programme are subsidies for
agricultural equipment for farmers, possibility of exploring local market through
product diversification, and the need for introducing mobile information system
for farmers. Mr. Nava Raj Dahal, Programme Director, SAWTEE, while
commencing the programme shared that Nepals position in global ginger trade is
at 3rd position after India and China; it occupies about 13 percent
in global production and 21 percent of South Asia. However, there are still
barriers that are hindering Nepals ginger exports to the international
market.
Presentations:
National Stakeholder Consultation Harnessing Export Potentials of Ginger
