- India
- Oct 30
APEDA facilitates exports of GI-tagged Indi and Puliyankudi lime to UK
• The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, facilitated the first-ever air shipment of GI-tagged Indi lime from Karnataka and Puliyankudi lime from Tamil Nadu to the United Kingdom on October 28.
• The shipment included 350 kg of Indi lime from Vijayapura and 150 kg Puliyankudi lime from Tenkasi.
Indi Lime
Indi lime, cultivated primarily in Vijayapura district of Karnataka, is known for its superior quality, zesty aroma, high juice yield and balanced acidity. Its distinctive flavour and geographical uniqueness make it a hallmark of the region’s agricultural excellence. Besides its culinary applications, the lime is also valued in traditional medicine and cultural practices, reflecting the deep-rooted agricultural legacy of Karnataka.
Puliyankudi Lime
Puliyankudi, often referred to as the “Lemon City of Tamil Nadu”, lies in the Tenkasi district and is renowned for extensive lime cultivation. Puliyankudi lime, particularly the Kadayam variety, is characterised by its thin peel, strong acidity, high ascorbic acid content (34.3 mg/100g) and juice percentage of around 55 per cent. Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, it supports immunity and digestion while offering exceptional flavour and quality. The lime officially received its GI tag in April 2025, acknowledging its distinct regional and nutritional attributes.
• The successful shipment reflected the strong collaboration between the state and central agencies, exporters and farmer groups.
• By connecting farmer-producer groups with global consumers, it is strengthening the export ecosystem while ensuring that growers receive better incomes through branding and market diversification.
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.
• 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.