India dispatched its first trail shipment of 1.2 metric tons of Garhwali Apples (King Roat variety) from Dehradun to Dubai. The first trial shipment of Garhwali Apples marks a major boost to agri exports and a stepping stone towards increasing and diversifying the country’s agricultural exports.
APEDA Regional Office in the State to Support Export of Garhwali Apples
In this context, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal last month said that imported apples enter India with a Minimum Import Price of Rs. 50/kg (US$0.60/kg), combined with a 50% import duty and additional cesses. Including clearance, marketing, branding, transport, and distribution, the retail price rises to Rs. 125–150/kg (US$1.50–1.80/kg). He noted that apples are imported at Rs. 75–80/kg (US$0.90–0.95/kg). “The government already protects apple growers,” he said, adding that balancing grower concerns with the demands of 1.4 billion consumers is necessary, as making apples too expensive reduces demand. India’s domestic production is insufficient, with 450,000–500,000 tons imported annually.
To combat the high prices of quality apples in India Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal at the flagging-off ceremony Garhwali Apples asked the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) to establish its regional office in Uttarakhand to support exports from the state.
APEDA is working actively to expand exports of fresh fruits, millets, pulses, and organic products. Current agricultural exports from Uttarakhand include jaggery, confectionery, and guar gum. APEDA the leading organisation, aims to expand export destinations for agricultural products in Europe and Southeast Asia. Additionally, APEDA is facilitating organic certification and GI tagging for specific produce to enhance their recognition, traceability, and competitiveness in global markets.