Gujarat based Desai Fruits and Vegetables, a major exporter, is all set to replicate its success in Tamil Nadu, with plans for large-scale contractual farming and banana export.
The company would commence operations within three to four months in Tamil Nadu "as the state has the right ingredients to make the Desai model a success," Ajit J. Desai, CMD of the company told PTI.
DFV, he said, offers a total solution package, addressing everything from tissue cultivation, crop protection and crop warranty to innovations in technology, training and support. Desai claimed that DFV, founded in 2001 as Desai Cold Storage Pvt Ltd., is now the largest banana contract farming company in the country having increased business volume manifold .
The company has already identified and initiated preliminary work to embark on contractual farming and MOUs with progressive farmers in southern Districts of Tamil Nadu.
The company has chosen ‘Grand Naine’ variety of banana in Cumbum and Theni Districts which have heavy demand in foreign markets.
"In the next phase, the company will go in for outsourcing bananas in delta districts of Tiruchirapalli and Thanjavur for similar activities, for which many farmers have shown interest," Pradeep Harchandani, CFO of the company said. Desai said the company would establish standard format outlets in major cities in US and Europe to market Indian fruits and vegetables.
