Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), which works under the aegis of Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has facilitated the export of the first trial shipment of fresh pomegranate to the USA through air route.
Key points
- The first export consignment of pomegranate to USA was initiated by APEDA in collaboration with National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) of India.
- The trial shipment of pomegranate was carried out by the APEDA registered ‘INI Farms’, which is amongst the top exporters of fruits and vegetables from India.
- Because of its high antioxidant content and super fruit characteristics, ‘Bhagwa’ pomegranate from Maharashtra has a substantial export potential.
- The ‘Bhagwa’ variety of pomegranate has substantial demand in the overseas markets.
- The Solapur district in Maharashtra contributes almost 50 percent of the pomegranate export from the country.
- India is the second largest producer of horticulture crops. In 2021-22, India recorded a total 333.20 million metric tonne (MMT) production of horticulture crops out of which the share of fruits and vegetables is 90%.
- India ranks seventh in production of pomegranate in the world and the total area under cultivation is around 2,75,500 hectares.
- In India, the major pomegranate producing states are Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh.
About Pomegranate (Punica granatum)
- Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a bush or small tree of the family Lythraceae and its fruit. Pomegranate is high in dietary fibre, folic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin K.
- The pomegranate probably originated in Iran and Afghanistan and was much used in Zoroastrian ritual and domestic observances.
