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New Delhi [भारत]July 20 (ANI): The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), functioning under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has facilitated the shipment of the first export consignment of 24 metric tonnes (MT) of frozen French fries from Uttarakhand to Iraq. According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, this shipment, sent by Virun Global Trade Pvt Ltd from Kashipur in Udham Singh Nagar district, is an important milestone in increasing value-added agricultural exports from this landlocked state to global markets.

Role of logistics in exports

Abhishek Dev, Chairman, APEDA, said the cost of logistics affects the competitiveness of exports from landlocked states like Uttarakhand. He said that APEDA is working closely with the Government of Uttarakhand on the formulation and implementation of the State Agricultural Export Policy including provisions for transportation assistance to improve export competitiveness and facilitate better market access for exporters. The shipment highlights India's growing role as a global supplier of processed agricultural commodities.

India's increasing export figures

Data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry showed that during 2025-26, India's exports of processed vegetables were worth USD 932.25 million, with the total volume reaching 7,26,874.70 metric tonnes. Value added potato products formed a significant part of these figures, amounting to 277,108.51 metric tonnes valued at USD 289.40 million. During the same period, the contribution of processed fruits and vegetables to the total scheduled exports of APEDA was about 10 percent.

Expanding trade and market access

The exporter expressed confidence that the quality of the product will lead to repeat orders and long-term business relationships in international markets, thereby creating continued export opportunities for the company and the region. To build this trade footprint, APEDA provided structural support to the exporter by enabling him to participate in major global trade exhibitions like SIAL, Gulfood, Indusfood and World Food India to expand market reach. The growing processed food industry in Uttarakhand is creating strong market opportunities in the agricultural value chain by creating sustained demand for quality raw materials, promoting value addition at source and encouraging greater participation in export-oriented supply chains.

Such initiatives are expected to increase farmers' income through better market access, while also boosting the state's processed food exports. APEDA will continue to work closely with state governments, exporters, farmer producer organizations (FPOs), processors and other stakeholders to strengthen export infrastructure, facilitate access to global markets and promote value-added agricultural exports from India. (ANI)