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HomePosts Tagged "Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)"
Agribusiness, Fruits, Horticulture, India, Supply Chain, Trade, Transportation

AgroStar and Kay Bee Exports successfully completed India’s first-ever commercial trial shipments of 5.7 metric tons (MT) Sangola and Bhagwa pomegranates sourced from the Solapur region of Maharashtra.

In a significant milestone for India’s agricultural exports, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in collaboration with AgroStar and Kay Bee Exports successfully completed India’s first-ever commercial trial shipments of premium Sangola and Bhagwa pomegranates respectively to Australia via sea. This marks a major breakthrough in expanding market access for Indian fresh produce.

The first-ever sea-freight shipment departed from India on December 6, 2024 and arrived in Sydney on January 13, 2025 with 5.7 metric tons (MT) of pomegranates sourced from the Solapur region of Maharashtra, packed into 1,900 boxes, each containing 3 kg of premium fruit. Another commercial sea shipment carrying 1,872 boxes (6.56 tons) of Bhagwa variety arrived in Brisbane, Australia, on January 6, 2025. The use of bulk sea shipment ensured competitive pricing, benefiting farmers and creating sustainable trade opportunities. Both shipments were integrated into ANARNET, India’s traceability system, ensuring transparency and building consumer confidence in international markets. 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.

Upon arrival, the pomegranates received an overwhelmingly positive response in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. The strong demand has already led to immediate requests for additional shipments, showcasing the growing potential for a profitable and sustainable trade relationship between India and Australia. The shipment’s timing was strategically aligned with Australia’s non-producing season, maximizing market opportunities for Indian exporters.

 Abhishek Dev, Chairman APEDA, emphasised “India’s agricultural export landscape is growing at an unprecedented pace, with fresh fruit exports surging by 29% year-on-year. Pomegranates alone have seen a 20 per cent growth, demonstrating the immense potential of this segment. The successful shipments of premium pomegranates to Australia marks India’s ability to supply high-quality fresh produce to discerning international markets. Through advanced traceability systems like ANARNET, we ensure that Indian agricultural products meet the highest global standards, enhancing consumer trust worldwide.”

Abhishek Dev also emphasized APEDA’s role in securing and facilitating market access for Indian farmers, stating, “We are committed to supporting Indian farmers and agri-entrepreneurs by expanding into new and emerging markets. This success story paves the way for further collaborations and increased export volumes in the future.”

With the next export season beginning in September, AgroStar’s INI Farms, Kay Bee Exports and other key players are poised to build on this success, ensuring a steady supply of Indian pomegranates to Australia. This development reaffirms India’s position as a global leader in agricultural exports and strengthens bilateral trade ties with Australia.

AgroStar and Kay Bee Exports successfully completed

Agribusiness, AgroPolicy, Collaborations, Finance, Trade

The workshop facilitated new partnerships between government bodies, financial institutions, and industry experts, setting the stage for a more robust and export-driven agricultural sector in Odisha.

The three-day Export Pathshala workshop, aimed at enhancing agri and allied exports through Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), successfully concluded. Organized by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in collaboration with Palladium Consulting India Private Limited (PCIPL), the workshop provided FPOs with critical insights and strategies to scale their businesses globally. The initiative convened policymakers, financial institutions, exporters, farmer producer organizations and supporting organizations to explore opportunities and solutions for strengthening India’s agri-export ecosystem. By equipping FPOs with expertise in export procedures, quality compliance, and market linkages, the workshop is set to enhance Odisha’s competitiveness in global markets for fruits, vegetables, and spices

Addressing the inaugural session, SK Talukdar, Chief General Manager, NABARD, underscored the significance of empowering FPOs with the right knowledge, infrastructure, and market access. He noted that capacity-building initiatives like Export Pathshala will enable smallholder farmers to directly connect with global buyers, ensuring better price realization and sustainable growth. Over the first two days, leading experts from NABARD, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the World Trade Centre, the Spices Board of India, Bank of Baroda, and panel of industry exporters provided practical training & had interactive discussions with participants on export documentation, compliance, and quality standards, post-harvest management and packaging for export readiness, value chain development for fruits, vegetables, and spices, and risk mitigation and export insurance for perishable goods. A field visit to PRB Super Foods in Khordha provided hands-on exposure to good packaging and logistics practices for large-scale agri-exports.

The final day featured knowledge-sharing sessions from successful FPO leaders across India. Md. Jabbar A Khan, CEO of Bhangar Vegetables Farmers’ Producer Company Ltd. from West Bengal, shared his journey of scaling up an FPO into a globally competitive agri-enterprise. Sahyadri Farmers Producer Company Ltd., Nasik, Maharashtra, conducted a virtual session led by its Director, Azhar Tambuwala, who highlighted best practices in handling, processing, and marketing fresh produce for export markets. Discussions also focused on export insurance for persihable items, led by Satyanarayan Nanda, Senior Vice President, Unilight Insurance Brokers Pvt. Ltd., emphasizing the need for risk management mechanisms in perishable commodity supply chains like fruits and vegetables and ways to safeguard farmers against export uncertainties.

The workshop concluded with an interactive discussion where participants reflected on key learnings, challenges, and the way forward. NABARD and Palladium outlined a comprehensive action plan to strengthen India’s agri-export ecosystem by fostering information exchange, identifying clusters for export-oriented production, leveraging export-support infrastructures, and strengthening supply chains through close collaboration with exporters. Shri Sitakanta Mandal, Regional Director (E.R.), APEDA, emphasized the significance of such initiatives, stating, “This is one of its kind workshop conducted for FPOs, focused on exports. I am sure the workshop will enable FPOs from Odisha to take up agricultural and horticultural exports to tap into remunerative markets. APEDA in collaboration with Government of Odisha, NABARD and Palladium would try its best to support these FPOs to scale new heights in global agri-trade.”

Key insights from the workshop highlighted the importance of training in compliance, packaging, and logistics for exports, as well as the need for effective post-harvest management, value addition, and stronger market linkages. The requirement of timely financial assistance and insurance support was also discussed, with experts emphasizing that access to export credit and risk mitigation strategies can empower FPOs in building global market linkages. The workshop facilitated new partnerships between government bodies, financial institutions, and industry experts, setting the stage for a more robust and export-driven agricultural sector in Odisha.

“Empowering FPOs with the right knowledge and resources is key to unlocking India’s agri-export potential. We organized the first-of-its-kind Export Pathshala to bridge the gap between farmers and global markets by providing practical insights into enhancing the export readiness of FPOs. Through such capacity-building initiatives, FPOs can build sustainable, market-driven agricultural enterprises. The success of this workshop reaffirms the importance of collaboration between FPOs, public-private institutions, and industry experts in strengthening Odisha’s agri-export ecosystem,” said Amit Patjoshi, CEO, Palladium.

“India has a great potential of exporting agricultural products and strengthening FPOs is crucial for enhancing this potential. That is why we have organized this Export Pathshala. By improving FPO infrastructure, we can equip farmers with the tools needed to compete in global markets. This workshop demonstrates the value of targeted capacity-building programs, and we see immense potential in replicating this model across other regions. By scaling up such initiatives, NABARD aims to create a nationwide network of export-ready FPOs, driving inclusive growth and positioning India as a strong player in the global agri-trade landscape,” said Dr. SKK Mishra, Chief General Manager/Officer-In-Charge, NABARD, Bhubaneswar.

The Export Pathshala has set the stage for expanding India’s agricultural footprint in international markets. By building capabilities, fostering collaborations, and ensuring market access, the initiative is poised to create a new generation of globally competitive farmer enterprises. With NABARD and Palladium leading the way, Odisha’s FPO-driven agri-export model could serve as a blueprint for other regions, transforming the country into a major force in global agricultural trade.

The workshop facilitated new partnerships between government

Agribusiness

In a landmark achievement for farmer-led enterprises, three Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) from Odisha were recognized at the prestigious Farmers Business Summit & Leadership Award 2025, organized by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in Gosaba, West Bengal. Hosted in collaboration with the Government of West Bengal, ICAR-NBFGR, and the State Bank of India, the summit brought together FPCs from 12 Indian states and over 1,200 farmers. This event served as a critical platform for knowledge exchange, business networking, and policy discussions focused on enhancing agricultural exports and integrating smallholder farmers into global value chains

For the first time, Odisha’s FPCs—Madanamohana Farmers Producer Cooperative Society Ltd, Sabujabisoi Farmer Producer Company Limited, and Sabujasanatanpali Farmer Producer Company Limited—were honored with Leadership Awards for their excellence in collective marketing, value addition, and leadership in agricultural exports.

“We never imagined that fresh mangoes from our farms could reach international markets. This recognition is a source of motivation for other farmers in the state. We thank the Government of Odisha, Palladium, and APEDA for their invaluable support,” said Prabhat Mahapatra, CEO, Madanamohana Farmer Producer Cooperative Society Ltd, Odisha.

The awards mark a turning point in Odisha’s agricultural landscape. Until recently, FPOs in the state faced significant challenges in accessing profitable markets. However, through strategic interventions, these organizations have successfully positioned their produce—including fresh mangoes—on the global stage, improving price realization and market access for smallholder farmers.

Palladium, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ empowerment, Government of Odisha and APEDA, shas played a pivotal role in this transformation. Through targeted initiatives, Palladium has facilitated the mobilization and market-oriented capacity-building of FPOs along with creating sustainable export linkages with remunerative international markets. This has not only improved the profitability and competitiveness of Odisha’s smallholder farmers but has also reinforced the state’s position as an emerging hub for high-quality agricultural exports.

The recognition of Odisha’s FPCs highlights the potential of farmer-led enterprises in integrating smallholder farmers into global supply chains. Strengthening FPOs with access to international markets, financial linkages, and technical expertise can enhance rural incomes, drive inclusive economic growth, and support sustainable development goals.

At the summit, Debarati Ghatak, Private Sector Engagement Specialist at Palladium, emphasized, “Palladium is proud to support and celebrate the achievements of Odisha’s FPCs. By providing them with essential guidance and resources, we are committed to enhancing their global market presence and ensuring their long-term sustainability in competitive agricultural trade.”

As Odisha emerges as a key player in India’s agricultural export landscape, its success story serves as an inspiration for farmer cooperatives worldwide. State government’s ongoing initiatives, such as the Promotion and Stabilization of Farmer Producer Organizations in Odisha, are ensuring that smallholder farmers receive the necessary support to thrive in competitive markets. These efforts contribute to improved income opportunities for rural farmers, stronger market resilience against price fluctuations and sustainable business models for FPOs and farmer collectives.

With continued investment in capacity-building, policy support, and market integration, Odisha’s success reinforces the need for global collaboration to empower smallholder farmers, strengthen agribusiness ecosystems, and drive sustainable rural development.

As the state prepares for the upcoming mango harvesting season, this achievement sets the stage for more FPOs to explore international market opportunities, adopt best practices, and contribute to a more inclusive global agricultural trade system.

In a landmark achievement for farmer-led enterprises,

Agribusiness, Fruits, Horticulture, Organic, Supply Chain, Trade, Vegetables

The country’s organic food exports have grown at a steady pace and over the past decade, exports of organic products have grown from $213 million in 2012-13 to $494.80 million in 2023 -24

Indian exporters have huge opportunities to increase their share in the global agriculture trade from the current 2.4 per cent, a government official said on Wednesday. The global agriculture trade is about $2 trillion. Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) Chairman Abhishek Dev said that given these numbers, “huge opportunities” are there to increase exports from the country.

Despite being the seventh largest agri exporter in the world, “our share is 2.4 per cent in the overall world agri trade and immense possibilities are there to increase this share,” he said at the inauguration of Indusfood 2025 at Greater Noida. India’s agri export was about $50 billion in 2023-24 and this year also, the country is looking at pushing the figure to “new record”, he said.

Dev added that the overall focus now is to promote exports of value-added goods. Talking about exports of organic products, the chairman said India’s share in this segment is about 2.5 per cent, “but we have an ambitious target of increasing the share four-times in the next five years and we are working on that.” The global market for organic goods is $147 billion. The country’s organic food exports have grown at a steady pace and over the past decade, exports of organic products have grown from $213 million in 2012-13 to $494.80 million in 2023 -24. Talking about the food show, he said the number of foreign participants is increasing year after year. Over 2,300 exhibitors from 30 countries and 7,500 international buyers are participating in three-day Indusfood 2025. The integrated trade fair will host 15,000 Indian buyers and trade visitors. Mohit Singla, Chairman of TPCI, said the exhibition will provide a platform to bridge the gaps between farmers, technology providers and global markets.

“It not only enhances trade opportunities but also directly improves farmer incomes by creating access to better markets and value-addition opportunities,” he said. Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan inaugurated the eighth edition of the show, which is being organised by the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) with the support of Department of Commerce.

Apart from the Indusfood food and beverages trade fair at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, the council is also organising the fourth edition of Indusfood Manufacturing (covering food processing technology, packaging technology, ingredients and hospitality technology) and Indusfood Agritech (showcasing agricultural technology, fisheries technology, dairy and poultry farming technology). The latter two fairs are scheduled for January 9-11 at Yashobhoomi here. Speaking at the inauguration, Singla said the exhibition is aimed to promote international collaboration, and innovation across the food value chain. “Over 1,800 exhibitors are attending. The international exhibitor pavilion launched last year has nearly doubled in terms of representation, with exhibitors from around 30 countries now participating,” he added.

The country's organic food exports have grown

Agribusiness, AgroPolicy, Trade

The country’s organic food exports have grown at a steady pace and over the past decade, exports of organic products have grown from $ 213 million in 2012-13 to $ 494.80 million in 2023 -24

Indian exporters have huge opportunities to increase their share in the global agriculture trade from the current 2.4 per cent, a government official said on Wednesday. The global agriculture trade is about USD 2 trillion.

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) Chairman Abhishek Dev said that given these numbers, “huge opportunities” are there to increase exports from the country.

Despite being the seventh largest agri exporter in the world, “our share is 2.4 per cent in the overall world agri trade and immense possibilities are there to increase this share,” he said at the inauguration of Indusfood 2025 at Greater Noida.

India’s agri export was about $ 50 billion in 2023-24 and this year also, the country is looking at pushing the figure to “new record”, he said. Dev added that the overall focus now is to promote exports of value-added goods.

Talking about exports of organic products, the chairman said India’s share in this segment is about 2.5 per cent, “but we have an ambitious target of increasing the share four-times in the next five years and we are working on that.” The global market for organic goods is $ 147 billion.

The country’s organic food exports have grown at a steady pace and over the past decade, exports of organic products have grown from $ 213 million in 2012-13 to $ 494.80 million in 2023 -24.

Talking about the food show, he said the number of foreign participants is increasing year after year.

Over 2,300 exhibitors from 30 countries and 7,500 international buyers are participating in three-day Indusfood 2025. The integrated trade fair will host 15,000 Indian buyers and trade visitors.

Mohit Singla, Chairman of TPCI, said the exhibition will provide a platform to bridge the gaps between farmers, technology providers and global markets.

“It not only enhances trade opportunities but also directly improves farmer incomes by creating access to better markets and value-addition opportunities,” he said.

Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan inaugurated the eighth edition of the show, which is being organised by the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) with the support of Department of Commerce.

Apart from the Indusfood food and beverages trade fair at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, the council is also organising the fourth edition of Indusfood Manufacturing (covering food processing technology, packaging technology, ingredients and hospitality technology) and Indusfood Agritech (showcasing agricultural technology, fisheries technology, dairy and poultry farming technology).

The latter two fairs are scheduled for January 9-11 at Yashobhoomi here.

Speaking at the inauguration, Singla said the exhibition is aimed to promote international collaboration, and innovation across the food value chain.

“Over 1,800 exhibitors are attending. The international exhibitor pavilion launched last year has nearly doubled in terms of representation, with exhibitors from around 30 countries now participating,” he added.

The country's organic food exports have grown

AgroPolicy, Horticulture, India, Supply Chain, Trade

The partnership aims to promote Indian horticulture produce in international markets through LuLu Group’s expansive network of hypermarkets and retail outlets spread across the world.

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is leading India’s efforts to showcase diverse food product offerings including fresh produce, processed foods, organic products, and alcoholic beverages at World Food India 2024 organised by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi scheduled from September 19-22, 2024.

 Abhishek Dev signed and exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with, Chairman, LuLu Group International, Yusuffali MA for the promotion of Indian Horticulture Produce to Middle East Markets and across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This strategic partnership aims to promote Indian horticulture produce in international markets through LuLu Group’s expansive network of hypermarkets and retail outlets spread across the world. This is a key milestone for Indian Horticulture exports globally.

The APEDA Pavilion in the Exhibition Hall (Hall No. 3) at Bharat Mandapam is hosting 155 exhibitors from across 25 States and 3 Union Territories (UTs) of India at this three-day extravaganza. Prominent participants include states such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab and Karnataka. Key sectors being showcased include Fresh Fruits & Vegetables, Processed Foods & Value-added Products, Basmati Rice, Animal Products, Cashew Nuts, Geographical Indication (GI) Products, Organic Products and Alcoholic Beverages.

APEDA has invited prominent international buyers from approximately 80+ countries. The Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet (RBSM) is facilitated through an app-based appointment system for B2B meetings, providing a platform for Indian exporters to interact directly with buyers, importers, and international trade representatives. About 1000 B2B meetings were conducted today alone and 3000 are scheduled for the next three days between importers, aggregators, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FCPs), innovators, and agripreneurs.

The partnership aims to promote Indian horticulture

AgroPolicy, Fruits, Horticulture, India, Supply Chain, Trade, Transportation

ICAR- CCARI provided essential technical support for post-harvest management and development of sea protocol for the MD 2 pineapple produced in the Sindhudurg district of the Konkan region in Maharashtra.

In a significant stride for India’s fresh fruit export sector, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, facilitated the successful export of the first consignment of MD 2 variety pineapples to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The consignment, comprising 8.7 metric tons (650 boxes) of the prized MD 2 pineapples, was ceremoniously flagged off by Chairman, APEDA, Abhishek Dev, in the presence of senior officials from APEDA and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR CCARI).

“This marks a pivotal moment in India’s agricultural export history, showcasing our ability to produce and supply premium quality pineapples to global markets,” said Shri Abhishek Dev. “The MD 2 variety is renowned for its exceptional sweetness and quality, and we are thrilled to introduce it to the UAE market”, he said.

The MD 2 pineapple, also known as “Golden Ripe” or “Super Sweet,” has become the gold standard in the pineapple industry, with significant cultivation in countries like Costa Rica, the Philippines, and Thailand.

ICAR- CCARI provided essential technical support for post-harvest management and development of sea protocol for the MD 2 pineapple produced in the Sindhudurg district of the Konkan region in Maharashtra. A private firm successfully grew this variety on 200 acres in partnership with local farmers, ensuring optimal quality and yield.

The harvested pineapples were meticulously graded, sorted, packed, and stored in Panvel, Navi Mumbai. From there, the consignment was transported to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) for its onward journey to the UAE.

APEDA continues its dedicated efforts to promote the export of fresh fruits and vegetables from India. This first trial shipment of MD 2 pineapples signifies a substantial addition to APEDA’s export basket, enhancing India’s presence in the global market.

ICAR- CCARI provided essential technical support for

AgroPolicy, Horticulture, India, Trade

The meet was attended by farmers/FPOs, exporters and officials from JDGFT, KAPPEC, UAS, etc.

In a first of its kind initiative, a “Buyer Seller Meet on Dragon Fruit” was organised by Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Bangalore Regional Office in collaboration with University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore and KAPPEC, at the GKVK Campus, Bangalore to promote export of Dragon Fruit.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr M. Angamuthu, Chairman APEDA said that more stakeholder’s interaction will be done in future and a Reverse Buyer Seller Meet will be organized for promotion of Dragon Fruit and value-added products in order to boost exports. He pointed towards the collaboration with I.I.H.R. for standardization of fruit parameters and value-added products to help the industry. The Meet was attended by Farmers/FPOs and Exporters. Officials from JDGFT, KAPPEC, UAS were present during the event. Dr S. Rajendra Prasad, Vice-Chancellor, UAS(B) inaugurated the event.

APEDA has taken number of export promotion activities and initiatives, by way of development of virtual portals for organizing Virtual Trade Fairs, Farmer Connect Portal, e-office, Hortinet Traceability system, Buyer Seller Meets, Reverse Buyer Seller Meets, product specific campaigns etc. APEDA has been closely working with the state government for creating infrastructure and promotion of export from the state.

The meet was attended by farmers/FPOs, exporters

AgroPolicy, India, Trade

Export of processed fruits & vegetables including pulses up by 59.71 per cent to USD 490 million in Q1 FY 22-23.

Continuing with the trend from the previous year, the exports of agricultural and processed food products rose by 31 percent in the first three months of the current Financial Year 2022-23 (April-June) in compare to the corresponding period of FY 2021-22.

According to the provisional data released by the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCI&S), the overall export of APEDA products increased to USD 7408 million in April-June 2022 from USD 5663 million over the same period of the last fiscal. The export target for April-June 2022-23 was fixed at USD 5890 million.

The initiatives taken by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) that works under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry have helped the country in achieving 31 percent of the total export target in the first quarter of the current fiscal.

For the year 2022-23, an export target of USD 23.56 billion has been fixed by APEDA for the agricultural and processed food products basket.

As per the DGCI&S provisional data, fresh fruits & vegetables registered four percent growth, while processed fruits and vegetables recorded a significant growth of 59.71 percent (April-June 2022) in compare to corresponding months of the previous year.

Also, processed food products like cereals and miscellaneous processed items reported a growth of 37.66 percent in compare to the first quarter of the previous year.

In April-June, 2021, fresh fruits and vegetables were exported to the tune of USD 394 million that increased to USD 409 million in the corresponding months of the current fiscal. Exports of processed F&V jumped to USD 490 million in Q1 of the current fiscal from USD 307 million in the corresponding months of the previous year.

Basmati Rice exports witnessed a growth of 25.54 percent in the first three months of FY 2022-23 as its export increased from USD 922 million (April-June 2021) to USD 1157 million (April-June 2022), while the export of non-Basmati rice registered a growth of 5 percent in Q1 of current fiscal. Non-basmati rice export increased to USD 1566 million in the first three months of the current fiscal from USD 1491 million in the corresponding months of the previous year.

The export of meat, dairy & poultry products increased by 9.5 percent and the export of other cereals recorded a growth of 29 percent in Q1 of the current fiscal. The dairy products alone recorded a growth of 67.15 percent as its export rose to USD 191 million in the first three months of the current fiscal from USD 114 million in corresponding months of the previous year.

Other cereals’ export increased from USD 237 million in April-June 2021to USD 306 million in April-June 2022 and the export of livestock products increased from USD 1022 million in April-June 2021 to USD 1120 million in April-June 2022.

“We continue to provide technical and financial assistance to various stakeholders in the agricultural goods value chains for boosting exports of unique products from the country”, M. Angamuthu, Chairman, APEDA, said.

Export of processed fruits & vegetables including

AgroPolicy, Trade

Facilitating honey producers in accessing export markets besides availing government assistance under different schemes, quality certification and lab testing

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has been giving thrust on boosting exports through ensuring quality production and market expansion to newer countries. India at present is wholly dependent on the US to export its natural honey which accounts for more than 80 per cent of the exports.

APEDA is also facilitating honey producers in accessing export markets besides availing government assistance under different schemes, quality certification and lab testing. The body is also working to mitigate the exporters’ challenges which can be higher freight cost, limited availability of containers in peak honey export season, higher nuclear magnetic resonance test costs and inadequate export incentives.

“We are in a close collaboration with the state government, farmers and other stakeholders in the value chain to boost exports to other countries and regions such as the UK, European Union and South East Asia,” Dr M Angamuthu, Chairman, APEDA said.

As per the record, India so far has exported 59,999 metric tonnes (MT) of natural honey worth Rs 716 crore during 2020-21, with the US taking a major share at 44,881 MT. Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bangladesh and Canada were the other top destinations for Indian honey. India started its first organised exports in the year 1996-97.

In India, North East Region and Maharashtra are the major players in honey production. Around 50per cent of the honey produced in India is consumed domestically and the rest is exported across the globe. Honey exports have huge potential and especially in the COVID19 pandemic as its consumption has gone up globally as an effective immunity booster and a healthier alternative to sugar.

The Government of India approved the allocation of Rs 500 crore for the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) for three years (2020-21 to 2022-23).

Facilitating honey producers in accessing export markets