First consignment of vegetables exported to UAE from Uttarakhand

In a major boost to agricultural produce exports from Uttarakhand, the first consignment of vegetables, including curry leaf, okra, pear, and bitter gourd sourced from Haridwar farmers, was exported to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The exports of vegetables come after a consignment of millets grown in Uttarakhand was exported to Denmark in May 2021.

APEDA, in collaboration with Uttarakhand Agriculture Produce Marketing Board (UKAPMB) and Just Organik, an exporter, sourced and processed ragi (finger millet) and jhingora (barnyard millet) from farmers in Uttarakhand for exports, which meets the organic certification standards of the European Union.

The Uttarakhand government has been supporting organic farming. UKAPMB, through a unique initiative, has been supporting thousands of farmers for organic certification. These farmers produce mainly millets such as ragi, barnyard millet, and amaranthus.

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has been carrying out promotional activities to bring Uttarakhand on the agricultural and processed food products export map of India. APEDA plans to provide financial assistance for setting up a packhouse in Uttarakhand, which would fulfill the mandatory requirement or infrastructure to export fresh fruits and vegetables to the international market.

APEDA would continue to focus on the Uttarakhand region both in terms of capacity building, quality up-gradation, and infrastructure development by linking buyers to farmers through strengthening the entire supply chain of agricultural produce.

In 2020-21, India exported fruits and vegetables valued at Rs 11,019 crore compared to Rs 10,114 crore worth of exports in 2019-20, increasing close to 9%.

APEDA undertakes market promotion activities to export food products, market intelligence for making informed decisions, international exposure, skill development, capacity building, and high-quality packaging.