The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, has facilitated the first export of 24 Tonnes of Frozen French Fries from Kashipur in Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand to Iraq. Exported by Virun Global Trade Pvt. Ltd., the consignment marks a significant milestone in promoting value-added agricultural exports from Uttarakhand while strengthening India’s processed food export basket.
The exporter expressed confidence that the quality of the product would lead to repeat orders and long-term business relationships in international markets, creating sustained export opportunities for the company and the region. APEDA has supported the exporter in participating in leading international trade exhibitions, including SIAL, Gulfood, IndusFood and World Food India, enabling greater market outreach and buyer engagement.
India continues to strengthen its position as a global supplier of processed agricultural products. During 2025-26, India’s exports of processed vegetables reached USD 932.25 million, comprising 7,26,874.70 MT. Of this, value-added potato products accounted for exports of 277,108.51 MT valued at USD 289.40 million. Processed fruits and vegetables together contributed nearly 10 per cent of APEDA’s scheduled exports during the year.
Chairman, APEDA, Shri Abhishek Dev stated that logistics costs continue to influence the competitiveness of exports from landlocked states such as Uttarakhand. He said APEDA is working closely with the Government of Uttarakhand on the formulation and implementation of the State Agri Export Policy, including provisions for transport assistance to improve export competitiveness and facilitate greater market access for exporters.
The expanding processed food industry in Uttarakhand is creating stronger market opportunities across the agricultural value chain by generating sustained demand for quality raw produce, promoting value addition at source and encouraging greater participation in export-oriented supply chains. Such initiatives are expected to enhance farmers’ incomes through improved market access while boosting the state’s processed food exports.
APEDA continues to work closely with State Governments, exporters, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), processors and other stakeholders to strengthen export infrastructure, facilitate access to global markets and promote value-added agricultural exports from India.
APEDA first export of premium areko cherries and scentrose plums from J & K to Singapore
In another significant boost to the horticulture exports of Jammu & Kashmir, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, facilitated the first export shipment of premium Areko Cherries (High-Density European Sweet Cherries) and Scentrose Plums from Shopian and Pulwama to Singapore. The milestone follows the successful export of fresh cherries and plums from the region to Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the UAE, further expanding the global footprint of Kashmir’s premium temperate fruits.
APEDA organised a flag-off ceremony for the first export shipment to Singapore on 16 July 2026 in collaboration with M/s Osum Food Solutions LLP and M/s Fruit Master Agro Fresh Private Limited, Pulwama.
Jammu & Kashmir, known for its favourable agro-climatic conditions, produces premium-quality temperate fruits with excellent taste, texture and shelf life. The export consignment was scientifically harvested, graded, packed and transported through an efficient cold chain in compliance with international food safety and phytosanitary standards to ensure freshness and quality upon arrival in Singapore.
The initiative is expected to enable growers to realise over 50 per cent higher returns compared to conventional marketing channels. It is also expected to promote export-oriented production, adoption of scientific cultivation practices and improved post-harvest management, while reducing post-harvest losses, enhancing value realisation and generating sustainable livelihood opportunities for fruit-growing communities across Jammu & Kashmir.
The export reflects APEDA’s continued efforts to strengthen India’s horticultural exports through market diversification, export facilitation and improved logistics. By connecting growers with premium international markets, the initiative is expected to enhance farmers’ incomes and further position Jammu & Kashmir as a reliable source of high-value fresh temperate fruits in global markets.
