The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) successfully completed India’s first-ever commercial trial shipments of premium Sangola and Bhagwa pomegranates  to Australia via sea. This marks a major breakthrough in expanding market access for Indian fresh produce.

How was it done?

• After getting the market access for export of Indian pomegranates to Australia, a work plan and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the export of pomegranates to Australia were signed in February 2024.

• The first air shipment took place in July 2024, following the successful market access facilitation by APEDA and National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO). 

• The air shipment helped assess market demand, which led to follow-up sea shipments to optimise cost efficiency.

• The first-ever sea-freight shipment departed from India on December 6, 2024 and reached Sydney on January 13, 2025 with 5.7 metric tonnes (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 tonnes) 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.

What is APEDA?

• The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) was established by the government under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act passed by Parliament in December 1985. The Act came into effect on February 13, 1986.

• APEDA, which replaced the Processed Food Export Promotion Council (PFEPC), has its headquarters in New Delhi.

• Its headquarters is situated in New Delhi. It has 16 regional offices across India.

APEDA has been entrusted with the responsibility of export promotion and development of following scheduled products:

i) Fruits, Vegetables and their Products

ii) Meat and Meat Products

iii) Poultry and Poultry Products

iv) Dairy Products

v) Confectionery, Biscuits and Bakery Products

vi) Honey, Jaggery and Sugar Products

vii) Cocoa and its products, chocolates of all kinds

viii) Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

ix) Cereal and Cereal Products

x) Groundnuts, Peanuts and Walnuts

xi) Pickles, Papads and Chutneys

xii) Guar Gum

xiii) Floriculture and Floriculture Products

xiv) Herbal and Medicinal Plants

xv) De-oiled rice bran

xvi) Green pepper in brine

xvii) Cashew Nuts and its Products.

• In addition to this, APEDA has been entrusted with the responsibility to monitor the import of sugar as well.

• APEDA also functions as the Secretariat to the National Accreditation Board (NAB) for the implementation of accreditation of the Certification Bodies under National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) for organic exports.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)