India Exports Frozen Food and Makhana to Canada and Greece

India's Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the export of 24 tonnes of frozen food products from Haryana to Canada. The shipment, valued at CAD 35,140, included a range of items such as green peas, mixed vegetables, sweet corn, and samosas. Aterna Foods Producer Company Limited sent the consignment from Sonipat, with APEDA providing support under its Financial Assistance Scheme.

APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev highlighted the importance of FPO-led processing and export models in helping farmer groups participate in international value chains. He expressed optimism about expanding exports to the Canadian market, citing the contribution of the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM).

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal welcomed the development, noting that it marked a significant step towards connecting farmers to global markets and securing better prices for their produce. The export unit was also seen as an example of how direct exports by farmer producer organizations (FPOs) can enhance value realisation for producers.

India's makhana production is another area where the country has made strides, with Bihar accounting for 80-85% of national output. The state's makhana cultivation spans over 35,000 hectares across 10 districts, supported by technical interventions from Bihar Agricultural University and the ICAR-National Research Centre for Makhana.