The Indian government announced a significant 47.5% rise in fruit exports over the past five years, marking a major achievement for the country’s agricultural exports.
Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasad informed the Rajya Sabha that India’s fruit exports have seen growth due to favorable trade agreements with the UAE and Australia.
He highlighted that exports to the UAE and Australia had increased by 27% and 6%, respectively.
The government attributes this growth to active efforts in facilitating trade, ensuring high-quality products, and developing strong international relationships.
Quality Assurance And International Standards
Lawmakers were assured by the government that it is committed to ensuring that India’s fruits meet international quality standards.
He emphasized that products exported under the ‘brand India’ banner are subject to stringent quality checks to maintain very low pesticide levels.
“We ensure that the quality of our fruits is up to global standards, as each product represents India in international markets,” said Prasad.
The government is also exploring new markets for Indian fruits. In addition to the UAE and Australia, India has been working on expanding its reach in Europe, the USA, and emerging markets.
The government is continuously engaged in discussions with counterparts to gain market access for Indian fruits in these regions.
Government Initiatives To Boost Fruit Exports
Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal provided further insights into the measures the government is taking to support fruit exports.
These include the development of post-harvest handling facilities, cold chain networks (including integrated pack houses and reefer vehicles), and treatment facilities like Vapour Heat Treatment (VHT) and Hot Water Treatment (HWT).
These facilities help maintain the quality and longevity of fruits, mitigating pest-related issues.
Increased Focus On International Trade Fairs
The government is also encouraging participation in international trade fairs such as Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong and MACFRUIT in Italy.
This provides Indian exporters and farmer-producer organizations (FPOs) with valuable exposure to global markets, thus facilitating stronger international ties.
India currently exports fresh fruits to over 85 countries.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare, has been at the forefront of this effort.
Goyal added that discussions with the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) are ongoing to open new markets, including Canada, Europe, and the USA.
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