APEDA opens global market for GI-Tagged Rewa Sundarja mangoes with first commercial export to UAE

New Delhi: The famous GI-tagged Rewa Sundarja mango from Madhya Pradesh has entered the international market with its first commercial export to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), giving a major boost to India's premium fruit exports and creating new income opportunities for farmers in the Rewa region.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, facilitated the shipment after working for several months with the Madhya Pradesh Department of Horticulture, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), exporters, pack house operators and overseas buyers to establish an export supply chain for the indigenous mango variety.

The maiden commercial consignment of one metric tonne was exported on June 26 by Salt Range Foods Pvt. Ltd., marking the beginning of regular overseas shipments of Rewa Sundarja mangoes.

The export consignment included premium-quality fruits sourced from Seondha Farmer Producer Company Limited and progressive farmer Sonu Gupta from Govindgarh village in Rewa district. After harvest, the mangoes were graded, sorted and packed for export at the APEDA-supported pack house of Trisagar Farmer Producer Company in Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh. The consignment was then transported to Varanasi Airport after completing all phytosanitary and export quality requirements before being airlifted to the UAE.

The export has also translated into better returns for farmers. While Rewa Sundarja mangoes are currently selling in local markets for around ₹100-110 per kg, exporters purchased the produce at ₹150 per kg, giving growers an additional ₹40-50 per kg. The higher price is expected to encourage more farmers to adopt export-quality production and post-harvest practices while connecting them to global value chains.

Known for its exceptional sweetness, rich aroma, fibreless pulp and distinctive flavour, the Rewa Sundarja mango received Geographical Indication (GI) status for its unique regional identity. The successful export is expected to strengthen the variety's recognition in international markets and position Madhya Pradesh as an emerging exporter of premium mangoes.

A flag-off ceremony for the first commercial consignment was held on June 26 in the presence of officials from APEDA, the Madhya Pradesh Department of Horticulture, exporters, FPOs, pack house operators and farmers, marking the beginning of the mango's international journey.

APEDA said it will continue supporting exports of GI-tagged and value-added agricultural products by strengthening export infrastructure, improving compliance with international quality standards, building market linkages and promoting Indian agricultural products overseas.

Officials believe the successful export of Rewa Sundarja mangoes will pave the way for regular shipments in the coming seasons, create new opportunities for other GI-tagged farm products and contribute to higher and more sustainable incomes for mango growers in the Rewa region.