NEW DELHI: In a major boost to harness the export potential of agricultural and processed food products from the north-eastern states, a shipment of fresh Burmese grapes referred to as 'Leteku' in Assamese has been exported to Dubai from Guwahati by the air route.
A consignment of Leteku that contains vitamin C and iron was sourced and packed at a collection centre in the Darang district of Assam. The consignment was exported by APEDA-registered Kiega EXIM Pvt Ltd from Guwahati airport to Dubai via Delhi.
APEDA has been carrying out promotional activities to bring the north-eastern states on the agricultural and processed food products export map of India.
Recently, APEDA facilitated exports of the first consignment of 'red rice' to the USA from Assam. Iron-rich 'red rice' is grown in the Brahmaputra valley without the use of any chemical fertilizer. The rice variety is referred to as 'Bao-dhaan', which is an integral part of the Assamese food.
APEDA assisted in exports of Geographical Indications (GI) certified Kaji Nemu (Assam lemon) to London. So far around 40 metric tonnes of Assam Lemon has been exported.
Jackfruits sourced from Tripura-based Krishi Sanyoga Agro Producer Company Ltd were exported to London. The consignment was packed at the APEDA-assisted pack-house facility of Salt Range Supply Chain Solution Ltd and exported by Kiega EXIM Pvt Ltd.
APEDA has provided financial assistance to the private sector to set up a packed house at Guwahati which has fulfilled the mandatory requirement or infrastructure for the export of fresh fruits and vegetables to Europe.
APEDA undertakes market promotion activities for evolving structured marketing strategies for export of food products, market intelligence for making informed decisions, international exposure, skill development, capacity building and high-quality packaging.
APEDA would continue to focus on the north-eastern region both in terms of capacity building, quality improvement, and infrastructure development. Linking buyers to farmers, strengthening the entire supply chain of agricultural produce from the north-eastern region would bring in dividends, a press release said.