APEDA facilitates first commercial export of GI-tagged Rewa Sundarja mangoes to UAE
New Delhi, June 27
The first commercial export of Geographical Indication-tagged Rewa Sundarja mangoes from Madhya Pradesh has been shipped to the United Arab Emirates, with farmers receiving up to 50 per cent higher prices than the prevailing local market rate, according to a Commerce Ministry release issued on Saturday.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, facilitated the export of the one-metric-tonne consignment, which was shipped to the UAE on June 26.
According to the release, the initiative has already translated into better returns for growers. "While the prevailing market price of Rewa Sundarja Mangoes in the local market is approximately ₹100 to ₹110 per kilogram, the exporter procured the produce at ₹150 per kilogram. This premium of ₹40 to ₹50 per kilogram directly benefits farmers, demonstrating the economic advantages of integrating growers into export-orientated value chains."
The ministry said the shipment marks "the beginning of the international journey of the Rewa Sundarja Mango" and is expected to pave the way for regular exports in the coming seasons.
The export consignment comprised premium-quality GI-tagged Rewa Sundarja mangoes sourced from Seondha Farmer Producer Company Limited and progressive farmer Sonu Gupta from Govindgarh in Rewa district. The mangoes were graded, sorted and packed at an APEDA-facilitated pack house in Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh, before being airlifted from Varanasi to the UAE.
Highlighting the significance of the export, the ministry said the successful shipment "marks a significant milestone in promoting India's unique agricultural products in global markets".
The release added that the commercial export underscores the role of GI registration in building a distinct identity for region-specific agricultural products in overseas markets.
"Rewa Sundarja Mango, known for its exceptional sweetness, rich aroma, fibreless pulp and distinctive flavour, possesses significant export potential. The commercial export is expected to enhance the global recognition of this indigenous variety while positioning Madhya Pradesh as an emerging hub for premium mango exports," the ministry said.
APEDA said it has worked with the Madhya Pradesh Horticulture Department, exporters, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), pack house operators and international buyers over the past several months to establish export linkages for the premium mango variety.
The authority said it will continue supporting exports of GI-tagged agricultural products by strengthening export infrastructure, ensuring compliance with international quality standards and developing overseas market linkages while creating better income opportunities for farmers.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is a smart move. GI tagging adds value and creates a premium brand identity. I've tried Alphonso in the US but haven't heard of Rewa Sundarja. If it's as good as described, it could compete with top mango varieties globally. Hope APEDA keeps scaling this up.
Ha! Indian mangoes are finally getting the respect they deserve in international markets. UAE imports a lot of mangoes from Pakistan and other countries - this is a good entry point. But we need to ensure consistent quality and reliable supply chains before dreaming of competing with established brands.
Finally something positive from our agriculture policies! But I wonder how many other GI-tagged products are languishing without proper market linkages. APEDA should replicate this model for products from every state. Also, hope the farmers get stable contracts, not just one-off exports. 🙏
Mera desh badal raha hai! 🥭 Seeing Madhya Pradesh farmers getting Rs 150/kg while local market gives only Rs 100 - this is the power of exports. But we need cold storage facilities and better pack houses in MP itself instead of sending to Bhadohi, UP. Transportation cost eats into profits.
This is encouraging but I'm cautiously optimistic. The real test will be whether we can sustain quality across seasons and meet stringent phytosanitary requirements. Also, Rs 150/kg is still quite low compared to what Alphonso fetches in international markets (around $5-8/kg). We need to move up the value chain.
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