In a significant milestone for India’s fresh fruit export sector, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), operating under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has successfully facilitated the export of the first consignment of MD 2 variety pineapples to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The shipment, consisting of 8.7 metric tonnes (650 boxes) of the highly valued MD 2 pineapples, was flagged off by APEDA Chairman, Abhishek Dev, alongside senior officials from APEDA and the ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CCARI).
“This event marks a pivotal moment in India’s agricultural export history, demonstrating our capacity to produce and supply premium quality pineapples to international markets,” said Abhishek Dev. “The MD 2 variety is celebrated for its exceptional sweetness and quality, and we are excited to introduce it to the UAE market,” he added.
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The MD 2 pineapple, also known as ‘Golden Ripe’ or ‘Super Sweet,’ has become the industry standard, with extensive cultivation in countries like Costa Rica, the Philippines, and Thailand.
ICAR-CCARI provided crucial technical support for post-harvest management and the development of sea protocols for the MD 2 pineapple grown in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra’s Konkan region. A private firm, collaborating with local farmers, successfully cultivated this variety on 200 acres, ensuring optimal quality and yield.
The harvested pineapples were carefully graded, sorted, packed, and stored in Panvel, Navi Mumbai. From there, the consignment was transported to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) for its journey to the UAE.
APEDA promotes the export of fresh fruits and vegetables from India. This inaugural shipment of MD 2 pineapples represents a significant addition to APEDA’s export portfolio, strengthening India’s presence in the global market.
