Punjab Delegation Learns Global Agri Practices at Tokushima Auction Market, Heads to South Korea Next

Published on: 06 Dec 2025 at 04:54 PM

Published by: Fact News

Fact News Service

Chandigarh, December 6: In a significant learning experience for Punjab’s agricultural and industrial leadership, the state delegation visiting Japan made an insightful stop at the renowned Tokushima Agricultural Auction Market, a major hub for the distribution, grading, and value-based auctioning of farm produce. The visit provided the team with a first-hand understanding of Japan’s highly structured farm-to-market ecosystem—an approach that Punjab officials said could serve as a model for improving efficiency, farmer earnings, and export readiness back home.

The delegation observed how the market operates with precision-based sorting, transparent digital bidding systems, and strict quality control protocols that ensure farmers receive premium value for superior produce. Officials were briefed on how Japanese cooperatives and local governments collaborate to maintain consistency, reduce wastage, and guarantee fair pricing.

Punjab’s Industries and Commerce Minister Sanjeev Arora, who is part of the delegation, said the visit was “an eye-opener.” He noted, “What we witnessed in Tokushima can transform the way our agricultural supply chains function. If we integrate disciplined production, scientific grading, and transparent distribution, Punjab’s farmers will earn more and our exports will multiply.” He added that the state will explore pilot collaborations with Japanese agencies to replicate best practices, particularly for fruits, vegetables, and high-value niche crops.

Officials said the Tokushima model demonstrated how modern logistics, real-time market intelligence, and technology-powered auctions can significantly reduce margins lost to intermediaries. They added that Punjab’s upcoming agri-parks and food-processing zones could become ideal grounds to adopt similar systems.

Following the Japan leg, the Punjab delegation is now set to travel to South Korea for a four-day visit from December 7 to 10, where meetings are scheduled with technology giants, agro-tech innovators, and manufacturing leaders. The focus will be on collaboration in food processing, smart farming, industrial automation, and logistics infrastructure—areas that align with Punjab’s ongoing reforms to modernise its economy.

Officials said the cross-country visit aims to position Punjab as a forward-looking hub ready to absorb global technology and investment. The government hopes that the combined learnings from Japan and South Korea will help build stronger farm-to-industry linkages, boost exports, and expand employment opportunities across the state.