APEDA Facilitates Export of Sinduri Pomegranates From Kullu, Kiwi Fruits From Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh
New Delhi:
Port Wings News Network:
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, facilitated the export of 1.3 metric tonnes (MT) of Sinduri variety pomegranates from Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The consignment, comprising 650 boxes of 2 kg each, was exported by Uttar Pradesh-based Amama Exports. The initiative connects local growers and a Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) with an exporter, creating opportunities for Himachal Pradesh’s horticultural produce to access international markets. The pomegranates were sourced directly from local farmers and the Bhuntar FPO, which is associated with approximately 600 farmers. The Kullu district horticulture administration supported the initiative by facilitating procurement and coordination.
The Sinduri variety is among the pomegranate varieties grown in Himachal Pradesh, alongside Bhagwa and Kandhari. Known for its attractive red skin, juicy arils and sweet-tart flavour, Sinduri pomegranates are suitable for fresh consumption and offer potential for export markets.
The initiative demonstrates the role of direct procurement and collective participation through FPOs in strengthening market linkages for farmers. The export enabled participating farmers to achieve 50% higher price realisation compared with the prevailing domestic market benchmark. Such export-oriented linkages can provide additional marketing opportunities for growers, encourage quality-focused production and support greater participation of FPOs in agricultural exports.
During FY 2025-26, India exported APEDA-scheduled agricultural and processed food products worth approximately USD 2.59 billion, with a total volume of around 3.81 million MT, to the UAE. The market offers opportunities for Himachal Pradesh’s horticultural produce, subject to buyer demand, quality requirements and applicable import regulations.
The consignment was officially flagged off by Chairman, APEDA, Shri Abhishek Dev. The ceremony was attended by APEDA officers, representatives of the Horticulture Department, exporters, FPOs and participating farmers. The programme highlighted the importance of coordination among farmers, producer organisations, exporters and government agencies in developing export opportunities for regional horticultural produce.
The export of Kullu pomegranates to Dubai adds to efforts to diversify Himachal Pradesh’s agricultural export basket beyond its established apple trade. The state has potential to explore overseas markets for other products, including pomegranates, persimmons, stone fruits, juices and ready-to-eat products. Continued focus on quality management, market linkages and export compliance can help expand opportunities for local growers and strengthen the state’s participation in international agricultural trade.
Through its export facilitation initiatives, APEDA continues to support Indian exporters, farmers and FPOs in accessing international markets and expanding the global reach of India’s agricultural and processed food products.
APEDA FACILITATES TRIAL EXPORT OF 1.5 MT OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH KIWI TO DUBAI
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, facilitated the trial export of 1.5 metric tonnes (MT) of kiwi from Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh, to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The consignment successfully reached Dubai and was showcased at LuLu Hypermarket, Al Qusais. The initiative marks a step towards assessing the fruit’s potential in international markets.
The initiative, undertaken under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), seeks to promote and strengthen Arunachal Pradesh’s kiwi sector under the branding initiative “Kiwi: USP of Arunachal Pradesh”. Implemented in collaboration with the Department of Trade & Commerce and the Department of Horticulture, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, the initiative aims to introduce the state’s kiwis to international markets, assess consumer response and develop stronger market linkages to expand export opportunities for local growers.
Arunachal Pradesh’s high-altitude growing conditions and natural environment support the cultivation of kiwi with distinctive fruit quality and flavour. The state’s produce offers potential in premium domestic markets, export promotion and value-added products. The major varieties grown in the region include Hayward, Monty, Allison and Bruno, with the Hayward variety showing good demand in international markets.
With the consignment reaching retail shelves at LuLu Hypermarket, Al Qusais, the initiative has moved beyond the flag-off stage to retail-level market assessment. Consumer tasting and feedback will help evaluate the fruit’s acceptability and potential demand. The assessment is also expected to provide insights into consumer preferences, quality expectations, packaging and presentation requirements. These findings can help growers, cooperatives and exporters prepare for future commercial shipments and identify suitable market opportunities.
The initiative also seeks to connect local kiwi growers with potential overseas markets, creating additional sales channels and opportunities for improved farmer returns through future shipments. The trial export is expected to provide a basis for assessing market response and identifying requirements for expanding the presence of Arunachal Pradesh kiwi in international markets.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by the Minister of Agriculture & Allied Departments, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Gabriel D. Wangsu, and the MLA-cum-Advisor to the Minister of Trade & Commerce, Dr. Mohesh Chai. Other dignitaries present included the MLA, Ziro, Hage Appa; Special Secretary (Agriculture/Horticulture), Rishita Gupta; Secretary, Trade & Commerce, Bullo Mamu, IRS; Secretary, Horticulture, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Koj Rinya; and Director, ICER, Shillong, Kardirvel Govindasamy.
Representatives of the Kiwi Growers Cooperative Society and Fair Exports India Pvt. Ltd. also participated in the event, along with APEDA officials, officers from the Departments of Trade & Commerce, Horticulture and Agriculture, kiwi farmers accompanying the consignment and other programme representatives.
Through this initiative, APEDA continues to support the promotion of agricultural and horticultural produce from the Northeast and facilitate its access to international markets. The successful arrival and retail placement of Arunachal Pradesh kiwi in Dubai provide an opportunity to evaluate overseas market potential and prepare local growers for participation in international trade.
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