Vol. 1, Issue 12, Part O (2015)

Abstract
Demand-driven exotic vegetables production is suitable for the farmers as they have assured market through contract with consumers. Exotic vegetables market is growing at the rate of 15 to 20% per annum is increasing day by day since India is importing more than 85% exotic vegetables. The innovative woman farmer is growing 25 vegetable varieties in 2.2 ha with an expenditure of Rs. 6250/day/ha and obtained earnings Rs. 8750/day/ha. Skilled labour is required for cultivation of these vegetables. Presently, a group of 100 farmers is cultivating these exotic vegetables from different villages in the vicinity. The present study focuses on Visakha Agency area is viable for producing exotic vegetables that are in high demand in foreign countries, including the United States, if a study carried out by horticultural scientists is to be believed. However, despite a naturally enabling environment for cultivating these high value veggies, the area unfortunately lacks proper export facilities and local marketing infrastructure. The people in India are now developing new test buds to accept new food items. Preparation of these food items need many exotic vegetables like Baby corn, Red cabbage, Broccoli, Colored bell pepper, lettuce, mushroom, Asparagus, Olives etc. some of which are imported from other countries. Due to huge supply chain, more demand and less supply these vegetables comes very costly in the Indian market. Horticulture Research Station (HRS), at Chintapalli in Visakha Agency, conducted a study entitled "Study of suitability and development of cultivation practices for non-traditional high value vegetable crops under open conditions in high altitude conditions - crop production" under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) scheme of the state government for the year 2012-13. What we observed as part of our study was that though Visakha Agency is most viable for producing these eight varieties of high value veggies, there are no buyers for the produce. We got a huge yield from our cultivation, but no wholesale or big vegetable traders showed interest in purchasing our products because of lack of awareness regarding the agency areas. All the crops have given a good yield without any use of pesticides and fungicides. In particular, broccoli, which is similar to cauliflower, is rich in antioxidants and can prevent cancer. Almost all varieties of the crops are in high demand in foreign countries and metros. If hyper markets like Reliance Fresh, Spencer's or More are ready to buy these veggies, Vizag Agency can not only help the cultivators reap good revenues but also indirectly generate livelihood for many unemployed people.