Team Blitz India
PUNE: For the first time, pomegranates grown in Maharashtra have been exported by sea to the United States of America (USA) with help from the Agricultural Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda).
Pomegranates grown at Sangola in Solapur district were exported from the Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board’s Vashi facility.
Last year, Apeda had carried out an air shipment of pomegranates with irradiation treatment and static trial in association with ICAR-NRC Pomegranate Solapur as technical partner. Buoyed by the success of the static trial, Apeda tried to sign off the present consignment via sea, opening trade relations with potential markets for Indian pomegranates.
The trial air shipment, static sea trial and sea container were executed by the Apeda -registered International Farms, a top exporter of fruits and vegetables from India to more than 25 countries.
Over the years, the firm has made extensive efforts to enhance the quality and shelf life of pomegranates to meet the strict standards of global markets. International Farms has established a value chain for pomegranates by working directly with farmers in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
The fruits exported by sea to the US were sourced from ANARNETregistered farmers from Sangola in Maharashtra. Significantly, the premium received by the farmers was 20 per cent compared to other export markets and 35 per cent compared to the domestic market.
Apeda had flagged off the pomegranate shipment comprising 4,200 boxes which is equivalent to 12.6 tonne. There was representation from MSAMB Regional Plant Quarantine Station, State Agriculture Department, National Research Centre Pomegranate, the US Consulate, and International Farms at the ceremony. Pomegranate is an important agricultural produce of India and the rich history associated with it and its nutrition value contribute to its popular demand, India produces some of the best varieties of pomegranate in terms of quality; soft, fleshy seeds; low acidity; and attractive colour.
Bhagwa pomegranate is considered among the best. Major pomegranate producing states are Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh.
