IBNS-CMEDIA: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has facilitated the first export of 24 metric tonnes (MT) of frozen French fries from Kashipur in Uttarakhand’s Udham Singh Nagar district to Iraq.
The consignment, exported by Virun Global Trade Pvt. Ltd., marks a significant milestone in promoting value-added agricultural exports from Uttarakhand and further strengthens India’s growing processed food export portfolio.
The exporter expressed confidence that the superior quality of the product would generate repeat orders and foster long-term business partnerships in international markets, creating sustained export opportunities for both the company and the region.
APEDA has supported the exporter by facilitating participation in leading international trade exhibitions, including SIAL, Gulfood, IndusFood, and World Food India, helping expand market reach and connect with global buyers.
India continues to reinforce its position as a major global supplier of processed agricultural products. During 2025–26, the country’s exports of processed vegetables reached USD 932.25 million, amounting to 726,874.70 MT. Of this, value-added potato products accounted for 277,108.51 MT, valued at USD 289.40 million.
Processed fruits and vegetables together contributed nearly 10 per cent of APEDA’s scheduled exports during the year.
APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev said logistics costs remain a key factor affecting the competitiveness of exports from landlocked states such as Uttarakhand.
He said APEDA is working closely with the Uttarakhand government to formulate and implement the State Agri Export Policy, including measures such as transport assistance to improve export competitiveness and enhance market access for exporters.
The expanding processed food industry in Uttarakhand is creating stronger opportunities across the agricultural value chain by generating sustained demand for high-quality raw produce, promoting value addition at the source, and encouraging greater participation in export-oriented supply chains.
These initiatives are expected to improve farmers’ incomes through better market access while boosting the state’s processed food exports.
APEDA said it will continue working with state governments, exporters, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), processors, and other stakeholders to strengthen export infrastructure, improve access to global markets, and promote value-added agricultural exports from India.
