Westward ho! That seems to be the new slogan of India's horticulture sector now.

Seeing a good market in the European Union countries, India's horticulture sector is now busy tapping this potential.

Justifying this trend, in India accreditations from EurepGap (Good Agricultural Practice Certification from the Euro-Retailer Produce Working Group) during the last one year has gone up substantially.

It is mandatory to have this certification to export horticulture produce in the European markets. Fruits and vegetable exporters feel this trend is due to the substantial growth in demand from the European countries and an increase in awareness among big farmers.

According to EurepGap, India witnessed a major growth in the number of accreditations. Total accreditations till August 2007 were 1,004, compared with 745 in August 2006.

India now stands just behind New Zealand in the total number of EurepGap accreditations from the Asia Pacific region. New Zealand has 1,840 (517 in August 2006). China comes next with 300 certifications (90 last year). Thailand also had a surge in certifications with a total of 246 (65 during August 2006).

However, Australia's numbers fell to 233 from 256 in August last year. Similarly, South Korea's accreditations also decreased to 1 from the last year's 16. Three new countries from the region - Malaysia (13), Guinea (15) and Sri Lanka (03)  -  have been added to the list.

Leading fresh fruits and vegetables exporters from India believe that there are two major reasons for this increase. The first is the increased demand for Indian fruits and vegetables from the European Union.

European retail chains are also witnessing increased demand for Indian fresh fruits and vegetables. Following this, the exporters have started looking towards the EU and they are encouraging the farmers to go in for more EurepGap accreditations.

Several leading European supermarkets and retailers such as Tesco, ASDA, Metro Group, Albert Heijn,ALDI Einkauf GmbH & Co. OHG Essen, CBL, Coop Switzerland, Coop Norway and McDonald's Europe are members of EurepGap and import Indian horticulture produce. The second reason is that farmers get better prices for their produce in European countries as compared with other countries.

A recent decrease in air fares and increasing awareness has boosted India's exports to the European countries. Fruits and vegetables exports from India have also witnessed a substantial growth during the last two years. More and more farmers have realised that this accreditation is a valued certification. It is also recognised by many other countries.

Other major importing countries include Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the US, Malaysia, Japan and Singapore. The major fruits and vegetables exported from India include mango, banana, papaya, chikoo, pomegranate, guava, grapes, tomatoes, potatoes and onions.

India's horticulture export sector as a whole has registered a 20 per cent increase in demand from Europe during the last one year.