New Delhi, Aug 13 (KNN) Aiming to promote agricultural and processed food products exports to newer destinations, APEDA in collaboration with Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation Ltd (HPMC) on Friday exported first consignment consisting of five unique varieties of apples to Bahrain.

Royal Delicious, Dark Baron Gala, Scarlet Spur, Red Velox and Golden Delicious are the five apple varieties exported to Bahrain. The apples are sourced from the farmers of Himachal Pradesh and exported by APEDA registered DM Enterprises, an official statement said.

The apples will be showcased at the apple promotion programme organized by leading retailer – Al Jajira group commencing from 15th August, 2021 which also commences 75th year of India’s independence celebration on the theme – Bharat Ki Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

The apple promotion programme is also being organized to familiarise consumers in Bahrain about varieties of apples in India.

This comes at a time when India has been expanding its footprint of mango exports to the newer countries, notwithstanding logistical challenges posed by COVID19 pandemic.

In July, 2021, in a major initiative for boosting mango export potential from the eastern region especially to middle east countries, a consignment of Geographical Identification (GI) certified Fazil mango variety sourced from Malda district of West Bengal was exported to Bahrain.

The consignment of Fazil mango was exported by APEDA registered DM enterprises, Kolkata and imported by Al Jazira group, Bahrain.

APEDA has been initiating measures to boost fruits and vegetable exports from the non-traditional regions and states. It has been conducting virtual buyer-seller meets and festivals to promote mango exports.

Prior to the mango shipment to Bahrain, APEDA organized a mango promotion programme at Doha, Qatar where nine varieties of mangoes including GI certified from West Bengal & Uttar Pradesh were displayed at the stores of importer Family Food Centre.