New Delhi, 07 June (H.S.):

The Central Government has facilitated the export of the first commercial consignment of Amrapali mangoes produced by a women-led Farmer Producer Company (FPC) in Jharkhand’s Simdega district to the United Kingdom, marking a significant milestone in expanding global market access for women farmers.

Under an initiative of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), operating under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, 1.5 metric tonnes of Amrapali mangoes have been exported to London. The development is expected to provide women farmers with direct access to international markets and improved income opportunities.

The maiden consignment was dispatched from Kolkata on June 4. The mangoes were sourced from Beura Farmer Producer Company Limited, a women-managed organisation based in Bano block of Simdega district.

According to the ministry, APEDA organised an export-oriented capacity-building programme on May 5 for Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), and progressive farmers in Simdega district. The programme focused on export standards, quality requirements, post-harvest management, and opportunities in global agricultural markets.

Following the programme, APEDA facilitated connections between Beura Farmer Producer Company and an export firm, enabling the procurement of export-grade mangoes and helping the producer group become a direct participant in the international export value chain.

The ministry stated that participation in the export supply chain has enabled the farmers associated with the producer company to receive better returns compared to domestic market prices. Officials believe the initiative will encourage quality-driven cultivation, improved post-harvest practices, and greater adherence to international quality standards across the region.

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal described the achievement as a strong example of the “Local Goes Global” vision in a post on social media platform X. He said that Amrapali mangoes grown by the women-led farmer producer company in Simdega are now reaching consumers in the United Kingdom.

Goyal noted that APEDA’s sustained efforts are helping farmers secure better prices, providing greater recognition to women farmers, and creating fresh momentum for India’s agricultural exports.

According to the ministry, Jharkhand’s agro-climatic conditions are highly favourable for horticultural crops. Amrapali mangoes grown in the state are widely recognised for their quality, taste, and market acceptance. With this export consignment, Jharkhand has joined the growing list of Indian states exporting fresh fruits to international markets.

The ministry further stated that APEDA continues to support agricultural and processed food exports through market development initiatives, capacity-building programmes, quality enhancement measures, traceability systems, and export promotion activities. Special emphasis is also being placed on integrating women-led and tribal farmer groups into global value chains and international markets.

Officials said the successful export demonstrates the growing potential of farmer collectives in rural India to meet international standards and participate competitively in global agricultural trade.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar