APEDA sends first consignment of MD2 variety of pineapple to UAE
In a major 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 has approved the export of the first consignment of MD2 variety of pineapples to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
APEDA Chairman Shri Abhishek Dev launched the valuable pineapple variety MD2 in the presence of senior officials of APEDA and Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Coast Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CCARI). He officially flagged off the shipping of 8.7 MT (650 cans).
Mr Abhishek Dev said: “This is a significant moment in the history of India’s agricultural exports, highlighting our ability to produce high-quality pineapples and supply it to global markets. The MD2 pineapple variety is known for its exceptional sweetness and quality and we are delighted to introduce it to the UAE market,” he added.
About MD2 Pineapple
- The MD2 pineapple is also known as the “Golden Ripe” or “Super Sweet”.
- It has become the gold standard in the pineapple industry.
- It is grown primarily in countries such as Costa Rica, the Philippines, and Thailand.
MD2 Pineapples in India
- ICAR-CCARI provided the necessary technical support for development of post-harvest management and marine protocols for MD2 pineapples produced in Sindhudurg district of Konkan region of Maharashtra.
- A private company successfully grew this variety of pineapple in an area of more than 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 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 consignment of MD2 pineapples represents a significant increase in APEDA’s export achievements, which will enhance India’s presence in the global market.
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