Export of pomegranates from India to US resumes

Nursery Today Desk

New Delhi. APEDA, in cooperation with the National Plant Protection Organization of India, US-APHIS, the Maharashtra government, the Agriculture Marketing Board, and the National Research Centre on Pomegranate, achieved a significant milestone by facilitating the first trial shipment of pomegranates to the US via air route.

The shipment, which contained 150 cartons and weighed 450 kg, was transported to New York from the Vashi market in Navi Mumbai by INI farms, one of the well-known exporters of fruits and vegetables that is registered with APEDA. The shipment included “Bhagwa” variety of Pomegranates from Maharashtra, which are well-known for having a high antioxidant content.

In 2017-2018, US imposed a ban on Indian pomegranates due to concerns over fruit fly in the pomegranate seeds. However, the prohibition was lifted in 2022 after Indian government addressed these issues and satisfied the necessary quality criteria.

According to APEDA, Indian pomegranate production has been increasing significantly at a rate of 20 to 25% annually. Demands are rising domestically as well as abroad, with India becoming as a major participant in markets throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The distinctive type of pomegranates helped India to stand out from the competitors.

UAE is the biggest importing nation with approximately 32% of India’s total international pomegranate exports. This represents the nation’s growing relevance as a significant provider in the international pomegranate industry.