For The First Time, Indian Bananas Were Exported To Europe By Sea Route

The first consignment of bananas from India to Europe via sea route was flagged off on 9 November 2023. This unprecedented initiative organized by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) aims to increase the market share of Indian bananas in the European market.

19.50 MT of bananas were exported:

• A total of 19.50 MT (1080 X 18.14 net weight per box) bananas were exported by APEDA registered exporter M/s INI Farms Pvt. Ltd.

Sent from Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) in Mumbai:

• The banana consignment was dispatched from the packhouse of M/s INI Farms Pvt Ltd at Vasunde, Baramati-Kurkumbh Road in Pune district of Maharashtra and was sent through sea transport from Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) in Mumbai.
• Full support to commence exports was given by APEDA to M/s INI Farms Private Limited, which marks the beginning of a new era in Indian banana exports.
• This important event underlines APEDA's commitment to promote Indian agricultural products in the international markets, the release said, adding that the trial shipment of bananas to Europe is an important step in this endeavour.
• The release said APEDA is actively working with stakeholders to advance these goals and strengthen India's position in the European market.

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA):

• APEDA, created by the Government of India through the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act of 1985.
• APEDA functions under the control of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• APEDA's headquarters are situated in New Delhi.
• APEDA replaced the Processed Food Export Promotion Council and inked an MoU with Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) in 2020.

Major functions of APEDA:

• It is also given the responsibility of monitoring the import and export mainly of fruits, vegetables and other food products including meat and meat products, dairy products, confectionery, biscuits and bakery products, floriculture and floriculture products, herbs and medicinal plants. 
• APEDA looks after the development of industries related to scheduled products for export. 
• APEDA performs this function by providing financial assistance or in other forms by conducting surveys and feasibility studies and participating through assistance schemes.