In a milestone development for Indian fruit exports, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) on Thursday flagged off the country’s first shipment of fresh Jamun from Karnataka to London, as per news agency PTI. Until now, only frozen Jamun was exported internationally.The consignment was sourced directly from a local Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) and exported by Anantha Organic Products Pvt Ltd. Its owner, Parthasardhi, said the move would help farmers secure “good” returns. While Jamun typically fetches around Rs 50–60 per kg in Indian markets, farmers are now earning approximately Rs 110 per kg through exports.Packed at a Plant Quarantine-approved facility developed by the Karnataka Government’s Department of Horticulture, the consignment marks a critical step in expanding India’s agri-exports, especially of indigenous fruits. APEDA stated that Karnataka, a major Jamun-growing region known for the fruit’s health and medicinal benefits, is poised to become a key player in the global fresh fruit segment.This comes on the heels of other major agri-export milestones. Earlier this week, Union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal announced the first commercial export of premium cherries from Jammu and Kashmir to Saudi Arabia and the UAE. “A huge market opens up for our cherry farmers,” Goyal posted on X, calling it a big boost for the government’s ‘Vocal for Local’ push.Goyal also highlighted that the Centre has been “bridging logistical gaps to position India as a global supplier of premium agri-products,” showcasing growing momentum in fruit exports.According to the ministry of commerce & industry, India’s total merchandise and services exports reached $820.93 billion in FY25, marking a 5.5 per cent annual growth. Notably, fruits and vegetables exports rose by 5.67 per cent to $3.87 billion. While grapes, mangoes, bananas, and oranges continue to dominate India’s fruit exports, Jamun now joins the list of indigenous offerings entering international markets.APEDA reiterated that India’s vast horticultural diversity holds immense export potential, and Thursday’s shipment of fresh Jamun could pave the way for more traditional fruits finding space on global shelves.
