The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the first export of 24 metric tonnes (MT) of frozen french fries from Kashipur in Uttarakhand to Iraq, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The consignment, exported by Virun Global Trade Pvt. Ltd., represents a significant milestone in promoting value-added agricultural exports from Uttarakhand and strengthening India's processed food export basket.
Milestone Export from Uttarakhand
This inaugural shipment marks the entry of Uttarakhand into the global frozen french fries market. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry highlighted that the export underscores the growing potential of the state's food processing sector. The consignment departed from Kashipur, an industrial town in Uttarakhand, destined for Iraq.
Consignment Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product | Frozen French Fries |
| Quantity | 24 Metric Tonnes (MT) |
| Origin | Kashipur, Uttarakhand |
| Destination | Iraq |
| Exporter | Virun Global Trade Pvt. Ltd. |
| Facilitating Body | APEDA |
APEDA's Facilitation
APEDA played a key role in enabling this export, as per the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The authority's chairman, Abhishek Dev, stated that logistics costs continue to influence the competitiveness of exports from landlocked states such as Uttarakhand. He noted that APEDA is working closely with the Uttarakhand Government on the formulation and implementation of the State Agri-Export Policy, including provisions for transport assistance. These measures aim to improve export competitiveness and facilitate greater market access for exporters.
Logistics and Policy Initiatives
The landlocked geography of Uttarakhand presents logistical challenges for exporters, according to APEDA. The State Agri-Export Policy under development includes transport assistance to offset these costs. The collaboration between APEDA and the Uttarakhand Government is intended to strengthen the state's export infrastructure and open new markets for processed food products like frozen french fries. This export to Iraq demonstrates the potential for value-added agricultural exports from the region, aligning with India's broader goal of diversifying its export basket.
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