India sends 1st biscuit export shipment from Varanasi to Oman
New Delhi, June 25
The government on Thursday said it has facilitated the export of a 40 metric tonne consignment of biscuits from UP's Varanasi to Oman, following the signing of the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, facilitated the export.
"The shipment marks the first export consignment of biscuits from Varanasi to Oman following the signing of the India-Oman CEPA, highlighting the growing export potential of processed food products from the region," the Commerce Ministry said in a statement.
It also underscores APEDA's continued efforts to promote exports from emerging agri-export hubs across the country.
The export consignment has been undertaken by Shree Tirupati Balajee Industries Pvt Ltd, a manufacturer-exporter based in Varanasi.
The initiative represents a significant step towards integrating the region's processed food sector with international markets and expanding the global reach of value-added food products from Uttar Pradesh, said the ministry.
The consignment will commence its journey from Varanasi and move to the Inland Container Depot (ICD), Kanpur, for customs clearance before being transported to Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) for onward shipment to Oman.
The export assumes added significance against the backdrop of strengthening trade and economic relations between India and Oman under the framework of the CEPA.
It is expected to facilitate greater market access and create new opportunities for Indian exporters, particularly in the agricultural and processed food sectors.
The APEDA has indicated that a series of additional shipments to the Oman market are planned in the coming months, reflecting growing demand and market opportunities for processed food products from the region.
It has been actively supporting the exporter through various export promotion initiatives, including participation in major domestic and international trade fairs such as 'AAHAR 2026' and 'Gulfood 2026'.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Interesting move. But I hope this isn't just a symbolic gesture—40 tonnes is a small start. Need to see regular, larger shipments to really make an impact on local livelihoods.
The India-Oman CEPA is really paying off for processed foods. Now if similar agreements help Uttar Pradesh farmers get better prices for raw materials too, that would be real progress. 😊
Good initiative—Varanasi has skilled bakers and quality produce. But is the government also helping small exporters with logistics and quality certifications, or is this just for larger companies?
As a Varanasi local, this makes me proud! Our city is known for Banarasi paan and silk, but now biscuits too? This diversifies our economy nicely. Bring on more shipments! 🎉
Nice to see the CEPA bearing fruit (or biscuits!). Hope this opens doors for other UP products like mangoes and pickles to reach Gulf markets more easily.
This is exactly the kind of export-led growth we need for Tier-2 cities. If Varanasi can do biscuits, why not Lucknow for namkeens or Agra for petha? The potential is huge.
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