New Delhi (NVI): In its endeavor to promote exports from agriculture produce rich regions of the country, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) today flagged off the first shipment of vegetables by sea route from Varanasi to Dubai.
APEDA in association with Uttar Pradesh government has organised sending trial shipment of one container of fresh vegetables by sea route to Dubai.
The container will have 14 Mts of fresh vegetables exported by an export house from Mumbai supported by Vegetables and Fruits Exporters Association (VAFA) and sourced from three FPOs of Ghazipur and Varanasi, an official statement said.
Considering the potential of production of fruits and vegetables in Varanasi region comprising of five districts — Ghazipur, Jaunpur, Chandauli, Mirzapur and Sant Ravidas Nagar — APEDA is in the process of setting up Agri export hubs in these districts.
Notably, VAFA, Mumbai has signed MoU with four FPOs for sourcing of fresh vegetables and fruits for export to international markets.
FPOs have been engaged to ensure supply of quality produce from the region. The initiative of setting up the Agri Export hub in Varanasi is now yielding results with the sending of the first trial shipment of vegetables sourced from FPOs in Varanasi region to Dubai by sea route for the first time today, the statement said.
APEDA is an organisation under the Commerce and Industry Ministry and is responsible for promoting exports of agriculture and processed food products from India.
