New Delhi: India has achieved a significant milestone in its agricultural export sector with the successful shipment of the first consignment of MD 2 variety pineapples to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The consignment, consisting of 8.7 metric tons (650 boxes) of the coveted MD 2 pineapples, was ceremonially flagged off by Shri Abhishek Dev, Chairman of APEDA. The event was attended by senior officials from APEDA and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR CCARI).
“This is a historic moment for Indian agriculture exports, demonstrating our capability to produce and supply premium quality pineapples to global markets,” stated Shri Abhishek Dev. “The MD 2 variety is renowned for its exceptional sweetness and superior quality, and we are delighted to introduce it to the UAE market,” he added.
The MD 2 pineapple, known as “Golden Ripe” or “Super Sweet,” has set a benchmark in the pineapple industry globally, cultivated extensively in countries like Costa Rica, the Philippines, and Thailand for its distinct taste and high consumer preference.
ICAR CCARI played a crucial role by providing technical support for post-harvest management and developing sea protocol for the MD 2 pineapple cultivation in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra’s Konkan region. In collaboration with local farmers, a private firm successfully cultivated this variety on 200 acres, ensuring optimal quality and yield.
The harvested pineapples underwent meticulous grading, sorting, packing, and storage in Panvel, Navi Mumbai. Subsequently, the consignment was transported to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) for shipment to the UAE.