APEDA facilitates commercial shipment of Banganapalle mangoes from India to Singapore

• The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), in collaboration with the ICAR–Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH), Lucknow, successfully facilitated the first commercial sea shipment of premium Banganapalle mangoes from India to Singapore.

• The consignment, comprising 5 metric tonnes (MT) of Banganapalle mangoes, reached Singapore on June 24. 

• The successful shipment marks an important milestone in promoting cost-effective and sustainable export logistics for India’s horticultural produce while expanding market access for premium Indian mangoes.

• Banganapalle, one of India’s most renowned mango varieties, is prized for its golden-yellow colour, pleasant aroma, fibreless pulp and rich sweetness. 

• The variety enjoys strong demand in international markets and offers considerable potential for further expansion of India’s mango exports.

• The mangoes were sourced from Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)-certified orchards in Andhra Pradesh and processed and packed at an APEDA-recognised packhouse in Karnataka. 

• The export also generated substantial economic benefits for farmers. While domestic market prices ranged about Rs 25 per kilogram, the export consignment realised approximately Rs 50 per kilogram, nearly doubling farm-gate returns and creating enhanced value for growers.

• The successful shipment highlights the growing viability of sea freight as a cost-effective, environmentally sustainable and commercially scalable mode of transport for fresh fruits. 

• Supported by robust cold-chain infrastructure, scientific handling practices and efficient logistics management, maritime transport offers significant potential to strengthen the global competitiveness of Indian horticultural exports.

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