India Exports First Consignment Of Garhwali Apples To Dubai In Landmark Agricultural Push

In a significant move to boost and diversify India’s agricultural exports, the first trial shipment of Garhwali apples, specifically the King Roat variety, has been dispatched from Dehradun to Dubai.

Weighing 1.2 metric tonnes, this marks India’s initial effort to tap into international markets for apples grown in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand.

Despite the increasing momentum behind agricultural exports, India remains a net importer of apples. The country annually imports between 4.5 to 5 lakh tonnes of apples to meet domestic demand, as production consistently falls short.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal recently addressed the concerns of local apple growers during a visit to Srinagar, in light of rising demands for stronger import restrictions.

Goyal highlighted that Indian apple growers already enjoy substantial protection through a Minimum Import Price (MIP) of ₹50 per kg, combined with a 50% import duty and additional cesses. These measures push the final retail price of imported apples to ₹125–150 per kg.

While supporting domestic growers, Goyal cautioned that excessively increasing import barriers could inflate prices further, negatively affecting demand from India’s 140 crore consumers.

He emphasised the need for a balanced policy that supports both producers and consumers.

Strengthening Export Infrastructure in Uttarakhand

Flagging off the shipment, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal urged the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) to accelerate the establishment of a regional office in Uttarakhand.

The move aims to facilitate the export of the state’s wider range of agricultural products, including millets, pulses, and organic items.

Currently, Uttarakhand exports items such as jaggery, confectionery, and guar gum. The new regional office will aim to bolster support for farmers through improved access to international markets and export infrastructure.

To meet the stringent quality and safety standards of global importers, APEDA is working closely with farmers to promote adherence to Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs).

Efforts are underway to improve cold chain logistics, post-harvest management, and supply chain connectivity.

Moreover, APEDA is actively assisting farmers in obtaining organic certification and Geographical Indication (GI) tags, enhancing the market value of region-specific produce.

Looking ahead, APEDA plans to expand its export footprint across Europe and Southeast Asia, opening new markets for Indian farmers and solidifying the country’s presence in global agri-trade.

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