VARANASI, Sept. 2 -- Amid the ongoing tariff imposed by the US, the agricultural and processed food products export development authority (APEDA), under the ministry of commerce and industry, on Monday organised a capacity building-cum-brainstorming session with the objective of strengthening agri exports from the region. The event was held at Lal Bahadur Shastri International (LBSI) Airport, Varanasi. Varanasi divisional commissioner S Rajalingam chaired the programme, which was attended by senior officials of the Airport Authority of India, department of horticulture, agriculture, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), plant quarantine (PQ), as well as scientists from International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR), along with representatives of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), exporters, and other stakeholders. During the programme, participants raised concern over the sudden 40% hike in air freight charges for perishable commodities, which has adversely affected exporters and reduced the competitiveness of agri exports from the region. "The administration, in association with APEDA, extends full support to boost agricultural exports from Varanasi and adjoining areas. The issues will be strongly taken up with the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and concerned airlines," said Rajalingam. APEDA regional director Dr CB Singh said the authority is working to help farmers, FPOs, and exporters access global markets and has taken up the recent air freight hike with concerned authorities. Over 30 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) from the region have been promoted as exporters and linked directly or indirectly with international markets. Many of these FPOs are now successfully exporting perishable commodities, thereby ensuring higher incomes for farmers, said officials....