India expands its supply of pomegranates

India's Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has given the go-ahead for the first export of pomegranates from Mumbai to Melbourne, Australia, in late August. The cargo was handled by M/s. Kay Bee Exports, a leading exporter of fruits and vegetables from Mumbai and an APEDA-registered exporter. The pomegranates were sourced directly from the supplier's farms. The fruit was meticulously packed at its Australian-approved packing plant in Ahmednagar. The 1.1 metric tonne (MT) consignment consisted of 336 boxes (3.5 kg each). The pomegranates were subjected to irradiation treatment, as per the agreed work plan. The authority detailed that "this successful export not only highlights India's capabilities to meet global quality standards, but also gives a significant boost to Indian farmers by opening up new sources of income." Australia granted market access to Indian pomegranates in 2020, paving the way for Indian farmers to access a lucrative ...