NEW DELHI: India achieved a major milestone in its agricultural exports with the successful first ever trial shipment of pomegranates to Australia via sea, an official statement confirmed on Monday. This marks a crucial step in expanding market access for Indian produce while optimising costs compared to air freight.
Until now, pomegranate exports to Australia were primarily carried out via air due to lower volumes and varying ripening periods. However, after India’s successful market access agreement for pomegranates, a work plan and standard operating procedures (SOPs) were finalised in February 2024.
The journey of expanding Indian market access
A press release by the ministry of commerce revealed that the first air shipment took place in July 2024 to assess demand, paving the way for more cost-effective sea shipments.
The first-ever sea-freight consignment departed from India on 6 December 2024 and arrived in Sydney on 13 January 2025, carrying 5.7 metric tonnes of premium pomegranates from Maharashtra’s Solapur region. Another shipment of 6.56 metric tonnes of the Bhagwa variety arrived in Brisbane on 6 January 2025.
These shipments were made possible through a collaboration between the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), AgroStar’s INI Farms, and Kay Bee Exports.
Both consignments were integrated into ANARNET, India’s traceability system, ensuring transparency and compliance with global quality standards. The pomegranates received a highly positive response upon arrival in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne, prompting immediate requests for additional shipments. The timing of the delivery also aligned strategically with Australia’s non-producing season, maximising opportunities for Indian exporters.
APEDA chairman Abhishek Dev highlighted India’s growing agricultural export potential, saying, “India’s agricultural export landscape is growing at an unprecedented pace, with fresh fruit exports surging by 29 per cent year-on-year. Pomegranates alone have seen a 20 per cent growth, demonstrating the immense potential of this segment.”
He said that this success demonstrates India’s ability to supply fresh produce to discerning international markets.
“Through advanced traceability systems like ANARNET, we ensure that Indian agricultural products meet the highest global standards, enhancing consumer trust worldwide,” Dev added.
He also threw light on APEDA’s role in supporting Indian farmers and agri-entrepreneurs, saying that this achievement has created new opportunities for increased export volumes and more collaborations in the future.
The release added that as the next export season is set to begin in September, key players like AgroStar’s INI Farms, Kay Bee Exports and others are looking forward to building on this success, ensuring a steady supply of Indian pomegranates to Australia.
