North Eastern state exports Burmese grapes 'Leteku' to Dubai

NEW DELHI, 29 June 2021: In a major boost to harness the export potential of agricultural and processed food products from north-eastern states, a shipment of fresh Burmese grapes referred to as ‘Leteku’ in the Assamese language has been exported to Dubai from Guwahati by the air route.

A consignment of Leteku, which contains vitamin C and Iron, was sourced and packed at a collection centre in the Darang district of Assam.

The consignment was exported by The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (​APEDA) registered Kiega EXIM Pvt Ltd from Guwahati airport to Dubai via Delhi.

APEDA has provided financial assistance to the private sector to set up a pack house at Guwahati which has fulfilled the mandatory requirement or infrastructure for the export of fresh fruits and vegetables to Europe.

Recently, the apex body facilitated exports of the first consignment of ‘red rice’ to the USA from Assam. Iron-rich red rice’ is grown in the Brahmaputra valley of Assam, without the use of any chemical fertilizer. The rice variety is referred to as ‘Bao-dhaan’, which is an integral part of Assamese food.

APEDA assisted in exports of Geographical Indications (GI) certified KajiNemu (Assam lemon) to London. So far around 40 metric tonnes of Assam Lemon have been exported.

Jackfruits sourced from the Tripura-based Krishi SanyogaAgro Producer Company Ltd were exported to London. The consignment was packed at APEDA assisted pack-house facility of Salt Range Supply Chain Solution Ltd and exported by Kiega EXIM Pvt Ltd.

The apex body undertakes market promotion activities for evolving structured marketing strategies for the export of food products, market intelligence for making informed decisions, international exposure, skill development, capacity building, and high-quality packaging. It has been carrying out promotional activities to bring the North-Eastern states on the agricultural and processed food products export map of India.

APEDA would continue to focus on the northeastern region both in terms of capacity building, quality up-gradation, and infrastructure development. Linking buyers to farmers, strengthening the entire supply chain of agricultural produce from the north-eastern region would bring in dividends.

Image credit: insidene.com