APEDA Facilitates First Commercial Sea Shipment of Banganapalle Mangoes to Singapore
APEDA has successfully completed the first commercial sea shipment of 5 metric tonnes of Banganapalle mangoes from Andhra Pradesh to Singapore. The move significantly reduced logistical costs and doubled income for farmers, setting a new precedent for sustainable Indian horticultural exports.
Highlights
- •APEDA facilitated the first commercial sea shipment of 5 metric tonnes of Banganapalle mangoes to Singapore.
- •The initiative successfully doubled farm-gate returns for growers compared to domestic market prices.
- •The mangoes were sourced from GAP-certified orchards in Andhra Pradesh and processed in Karnataka.
- •The project demonstrates the potential of cost-effective sea freight and cold-chain logistics for fresh fruit exports.
In a major development for the Indian agricultural export sector, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has successfully facilitated the inaugural commercial sea shipment of premium Banganapalle mangoes to Singapore. This initiative, carried out in partnership with the ICAR–Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH), marks a significant step toward making Indian fruit exports more cost-effective and environmentally sustainable.
The shipment comprised five metric tonnes of the celebrated Banganapalle mangoes, which were carefully selected from Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)-certified orchards located in Andhra Pradesh. Following international quality standards, the fruit was processed and packed at an APEDA-recognized facility in Karnataka. The consignment was exported by Osum Food Solutions LLP on June 11, successfully reaching its destination in Singapore by June 24.
Expanding Global Reach for Premium Indian Mangoes
The successful maritime transport of this high-quality produce underscores the growing viability of sea freight for fresh horticultural commodities. Upon receiving the consignment, the importer, EC-Links Pte Ltd, praised the exceptional quality of the fruit, noting its uniform ripening, sweetness, and long shelf life. This successful delivery demonstrates that scientific post-harvest management and robust cold-chain logistics are key to maintaining fruit integrity during long-distance sea voyages.
Beyond logistics, this initiative has delivered substantial financial benefits to the farming community. While the mangoes were fetching between Rs. 25 and Rs. 26 per kilogram in the local market, the export shipment enabled farmers to earn approximately Rs. 50 per kilogram. This development effectively doubled farm-gate returns, illustrating the potential for export-oriented growth to improve rural livelihoods.
The Banganapalle mango is highly regarded globally for its fiberless pulp, distinct golden-yellow appearance, and pleasant aroma. By moving away from exclusive reliance on air freight—which is often expensive—the shift toward maritime transport allows for larger, more consistent trade volumes. APEDA continues to provide infrastructure support and capacity-building measures, encouraging exporters to leverage sea routes to meet international demand for high-quality Indian agricultural goods.
This achievement aligns with the national goal of increasing agricultural exports and enhancing the global presence of Indian produce. By utilizing efficient, sustainable, and scalable logistics pathways, the government aims to strengthen the competitiveness of India's horticultural sector in the international market, ultimately ensuring that more high-quality agricultural products reach consumers across the globe.
