India goes GAP filling

As well as the implementation of good agricultural practices in grape production, Apeda director Sanjay Dave said efficient testing labs, an enhanced cold chain and traceability would also be part of the exercise as well as adding value through packaging.

The grape model is expected to be extended to other products such as pomegranates, mangoes, papaya, lychees and tomatoes and possibly some vegetable lines.

“Moving forward, we are creating building blocks by setting up IndiaGAP and also implementing group certification,” said Dave at India’s Fresh Produce 2007 conference.