In a significant move in India’s fresh fruit export sector, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, facilitated the successful export of the first consignment of MD2 variety of pineapples to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Shri Abhishek Dev, Chairman, APEDA formally flagged off the consignment of 8.7 MT (650 bins) of premium MD2 variety of pineapple in the presence of senior officials of APEDA and Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CCARI).
Mr Abhishek Deo said, “This is a significant moment in India’s agricultural export history, reflecting our ability to produce high-quality pineapples and supply them to global markets. The MD2 variety of pineapple is renowned for its exceptional sweetness and quality, and we are thrilled to introduce it to the UAE market.”
The MD2 pineapple is also known as “Golden Ripe” or “Super Sweet”. It has become the gold standard in the pineapple industry. It is mainly cultivated in countries like Costa Rica, Philippines and Thailand.
ICAR-CCARI provided the necessary technical support for development of post-harvest management and mariculture protocols for MD2 pineapple produced in Sindhudurg district of Konkan region of Maharashtra. A private firm successfully grew this pineapple variety in 200 acres in partnership with local farmers, ensuring optimum quality and yield.
The harvested pineapples were carefully graded, sorted, packed and stored at Panvel in Navi Mumbai. From there, the consignment of pineapples was transported to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) before being shipped to the UAE.
APEDA continues its dedicated efforts to promote the export of fresh fruits and vegetables from India. This first trial shipment of MD2 pineapples marks a substantial increase in APEDA's export achievement, enhancing India's presence in the global market.