This successful trial proves the commercial viability of cost-effective sea freight as an alternative to expensive air logistics for perishable fruits. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the drastic reduction in transportation costs directly benefited local growers, allowing exporters to pay farmers an additional ₹15–20 per kilogram compared to traditional channels. Marking the first commercial sea shipment of these specific varieties from Uttar Pradesh to the Gulf, this landmark achievement paves the way for expanded sea-based agricultural trade, boosting international competitiveness and scaling income opportunities for Indian mango farmers. PIB

APEDA provides financial assistance for setting up packhouses with packing and grading lines, pre-cooling units with cold storage, and refrigerated transportation. Support is also extended for cable systems for crops like bananas, pre-shipment treatment facilities (such as irradiation, vapor heat treatment, and hot water dip treatment), and common infrastructure facilities like reefer vans. Additionally, APEDA addresses missing gaps in existing infrastructure for individual exporters.

Financial assistance is available for purchasing laboratory testing equipment, installing quality management systems, and acquiring handheld devices for capturing farm-level coordinates for traceability. Support is also provided for testing water, soil, residues, and pesticides to ensure compliance with international quality standards.

APEDA assists exporters in participating in international trade fairs, organizing buyer-seller meets, and developing new packaging standards while upgrading existing ones. These initiatives enhance India’s global market presence and strengthen its competitiveness in fruit and vegetable exports. Detailed guidelines on financial assistance are available on the APEDA website under the “Scheme” tab (www.apeda.gov.in).

As a result of these initiatives, India’s fruit and vegetable exports grew by 47.3% in volume and 41.5% in value over the past five years (2019-20 to 2023-24). In FY 2023-24, Indian fresh produce reached 123 countries, with 17 new markets added in the last three years, including Brazil, Georgia, Uganda, Papua New Guinea, the Czech Republic, and Ghana.

This expansion has been made possible through strategic measures such as participation in international trade fairs, market access negotiations, and buyer-seller meets, further solidifying India’s position in the global fresh produce market.