APEDA’s maiden sea shipment boosts Indian Banana exports to the Netherlands
In a pivotal move for India’s fresh fruit exports, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has successfully orchestrated the first trial shipment of bananas to the Netherlands via sea. The inaugural consignment, flagged off from Baramati, Maharashtra, signals potential growth, with estimates suggesting India could export bananas worth USD 1 billion in the next five years, benefiting over 25,000 farmers.
APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev emphasized the positive impact on farmer income, stating that this trial shipment to Europe unlocks significant export opportunities for Indian bananas in the European market. Despite being the world’s largest banana producer, India’s export share currently stands at just one percent globally, a gap the trial shipment aims to address. With a strategic partnership involving InI Farms, Del Monte, and Maersk, the trial marks a milestone in overcoming long-distance market challenges.
The success of this venture not only promises increased income for farmers but also foresees a surge in rural livelihoods, benefiting thousands across the supply chain. India’s major export destinations for bananas include Middle Eastern countries, and with this development, it is anticipated that exports to the Middle East will surpass USD 303 million in the fiscal year 2024.
The key banana-producing states—Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh—are set to play a crucial role in this export expansion. APEDA’s continuous efforts to promote agricultural exports include exploring new markets, developing sea protocols for other fruits, and organizing exhibitions, showcasing a commitment to enhancing India’s position in the global market.
