The Agricultural and Processed Products Export Development Agency (APEDA) has overseen the first shipment of Indian pomegranates from Mumbai to Melbourne on August 31, 2024, the Ministry of Trade and Industry said on Thursday. The Melbourne-cleared consignment was showcased at Fine Food Australia 2024 at the APEDA India pavilion, underlining the global appeal of Indian pomegranates. The groundbreaking shipment was made by M/s. Kay Bee Exports, a prominent APEDA-registered fruits and vegetables exporter based in Mumbai.

The consignment consisted of pomegranates sourced directly from the farms of M/s. Kay Bee Exports, ensuring that the benefits of these exports reach Indian farmers. The pomegranates were meticulously packed at an Australian-approved packing facility in Ahmednagar, meeting strict international quality standards.

The consignment weighing 1.1 metric tonnes (MT) and comprising 336 boxes (each weighing 3.5 kg) underwent the necessary irradiation at MSAMB IFC in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, as per the agreed work plan. Australia granted market access to Indian pomegranates in 2020, opening a lucrative avenue for Indian farmers. An export work plan and standard operating procedures (SOPs) were signed in February 2024, streamlining the process.

As the world’s second largest producer of horticultural crops, India’s major pomegranate production takes place in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh. APEDA has set up Export Promotion Forums (EPFs) for pomegranates to boost exports and streamline the supply chain. These forums involve representatives from various government departments, laboratories and leading exporters to ensure joint promotional activities. During 2023-24, India exported 72,011 metric tonnes of pomegranates worth US$ 69.08 million to several countries including the UAE, Bangladesh, Nepal, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bahrain and Oman.

This initiative not only strengthens India’s presence in the global market but also directly supports Indian farmers by creating sustainable export opportunities. APEDA, a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, is mandated to promote Indian exports of agricultural and processed food products. Their initiatives include organizing B2B exhibitions, exploring new markets and working with Indian embassies to promote natural, organic and GI marked agricultural products.

(Based on information from the agency.)