India has witnessed a sharp increase in its fruit and vegetable exports, recording a 47.3 per cent rise in volume between the financial years 2019-20 and 2023-24.
This growth has been attributed to the financial assistance provided by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority under the Department of Commerce.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry highlighted that various schemes introduced by APEDA have played a crucial role in expanding India's agricultural exports.
These schemes have helped exporters by providing financial aid for infrastructure development, quality enhancement, and international market expansion.
Under the Agriculture and Processed Foods Export Promotion Scheme, APEDA has been supporting exporters in setting up essential facilities.
This includes packhouses equipped with grading and packing lines, pre-cooling units, cold storage, refrigerated transportation, and treatment facilities such as irradiation and vapor heat treatment.
These measures ensure that Indian fruits and vegetables meet international quality standards, making them more competitive in global markets.
In addition to infrastructure support, APEDA also provides financial assistance for laboratory equipment, quality management systems, and advanced testing methods. This includes monitoring water, soil, and pesticide residues to comply with stringent regulations imposed by importing nations.
To further promote Indian agricultural products, APEDA helps exporters participate in international trade fairs and buyer-seller meets. Efforts are also being made to improve packaging standards, making Indian produce more appealing to global consumers.
These steps have enabled Indian fruits and vegetables to reach 123 countries in the financial year 2023-24.
In the past three years, Indian produce has gained access to 17 new international markets. Countries such as Brazil, Georgia, Uganda, Papua New Guinea, the Czech Republic, and Ghana have started importing fresh fruits and vegetables from India.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, in collaboration with APEDA, has been working to identify key products and target markets for trade negotiations. Special focus is being given to developing sea transport protocols for horticultural products.
This move is expected to reduce logistical costs and facilitate the export of larger volumes.
Regular discussions are being held with the authorities of importing countries, backed by support from Indian diplomatic missions abroad. These discussions focus on facility registration and adherence to phyto-sanitary regulations, ensuring that Indian exports comply with international safety and quality norms.
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