The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Department of Commerce, has significantly contributed to India's fruit and vegetable export growth through its financial assistance schemes. Between 2019-20 and 2023-24, exports increased by 47.3% in volume and 41.5% in value, reaching 123 countries and adding 17 new markets in the last three years.

APEDA provides financial support under the Agriculture and Processed Foods Export Promotion Scheme for the 15th Finance Commission Cycle (2021-22 to 2025-26) across three key areas:

• Infrastructure Development – Assistance for packhouse facilities, grading lines, cold storage, refrigerated transport, pre-shipment treatment facilities, and common infrastructure for exporters.

• Quality Development – Support for laboratory testing equipment, quality management systems, traceability tools, and testing of water, soil, and pesticides.

• Market Promotion – Funding for international trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and packaging standard development.

Export Growth Trends

India’s fresh fruit and vegetable exports have shown consistent growth over the past five years:

Key Export Markets

India has expanded its market access to countries like Brazil, Georgia, Uganda, Papua New Guinea, the Czech Republic, and Ghana through active trade negotiations, international trade fairs, and buyer-seller meets.

Additionally, India has secured new market access for:

• Potatoes and onions in Serbia

• Baby corn and fresh banana in Canada

• Pomegranate arils in Australia, the USA, Serbia, and New Zealand

• Whole pomegranates in Australia via irradiation treatment

Addressing Market Barriers

Challenges such as long-distance logistics, stringent phyto-sanitary regulations, and delays in market access have been addressed through:

• Identification of key products and countries for trade negotiations

• Development of sea transport protocols to reduce logistics costs

• Regular engagement with counterpart authorities for market approvals

• Implementation of traceability systems and farmer/facility registration

With continued government support and strategic initiatives, India's fruit and vegetable exports are set to achieve further global expansion. More details on financial assistance guidelines are available on the APEDA website under the “Scheme” tab.