First Consignment of
Pomegranates from Mumbai to Melbourne after Irradiation at Vashi
·
In the
financial year 2023-24, India exported 72,011 metric tons of pomegranates worth
USD 69.08 million to markets including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bangladesh,
Nepal, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bahrain, and Oman.
·
Consignment
was sent by M/s. Kay Bee Exports, a leading exporter of fruits and vegetables from
Mumbai and a registered exporter with APEDA.
·
Pomegranates
were meticulously packed at their Australia-approved packhouse in Ahmednagar, guaranteeing
that they meet the stringent quality standards required for international markets.
The consignment weighing 1.1 metric tons (MT) consisted of 336 boxes (each weighing
3.5 kg). It underwent necessary irradiation treatment at the MSAMB IFC in Vashi,
Navi Mumbai, as per the agreed work plan.
[ABS News Service/06.09.2024]
The
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated
the first consignment of Indian pomegranates from Mumbai to Melbourne, Australia,
on August 31, 2024.
This
successful export not only underscores India's capabilities in meeting global quality
standards but also provides a significant boost to Indian farmers by opening up
new revenue streams. The consignment was successfully cleared in Melbourne and was
showcased at Fine Food Australia 2024 at the APEDA India pavilion, further highlighting
the global appeal of Indian pomegranates.
Australia
granted market access to Indian pomegranates in 2020, paving the way for Indian
farmers to tap into a new and lucrative market. A work plan and Standard Operating
Procedures (SOP) for the export of pomegranates to Australia were signed in February
2024, further streamlining the export process.
India,
being the second-largest producer of horticulture crops, sees major pomegranate
production in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Andhra
Pradesh. APEDA has established Export Promotion Forums (EPF) specifically for pomegranates,
aimed at boosting exports and removing supply chain bottlenecks. These EPF forums
include representatives from the Department of Commerce, Department of Agriculture,
state governments, national referral laboratories and the top ten leading exporters,
ensuring a collaborative effort in promoting pomegranate exports.
In
the financial year 2023-24, India exported 72,011 metric tons of pomegranates worth
USD 69.08 million to markets including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bangladesh,
Nepal, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bahrain, and Oman.
APEDA’s
commitment to promoting the export of fresh fruits and vegetables, despite their
perishable nature, is evident in their development of sea protocols to retain product
attributes when exporting to long-distance destinations. This initiative not only
reinforces India's position in global markets but also directly supports Indian
farmers by creating sustainable export opportunities.
This
consignment was sent by M/s. Kay Bee Exports, a leading exporter of fruits and vegetables
from Mumbai and a registered exporter with APEDA. The pomegranates in this consignment
were directly sourced from the farms of M/s. Kay Bee Exports, ensuring that the
benefits of this export reach Indian farmers at the grassroots level. These pomegranates
were meticulously packed at their Australia-approved packhouse in Ahmednagar, guaranteeing
that they meet the stringent quality standards required for international markets.
The consignment weighing 1.1 metric tons (MT) consisted of 336 boxes (each weighing
3.5 kg). It underwent necessary irradiation treatment at the MSAMB IFC in Vashi,
Navi Mumbai, as per the agreed work plan.