The time has come for pomegranates to take center stage, as the inaugural large-scale sea shipment of 14 tons of ‘Bhagwa’ pomegranates has successfully arrived in New York, hailing from the orchards of Maharashtra. This milestone has sparked excitement among farmers and fruit enthusiasts alike, marking a significant moment in Indian horticulture. This shipment represents more than just fruit; it signifies the dawn of a promising new era in India-U.S. agricultural trade relations, merging scientific innovation, logistical expertise, and ambitious aspirations, according to Indian officials. As the world’s second-largest producer of horticultural crops, India has established itself as a leader in pomegranate cultivation, with states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh at the forefront. While Indian pomegranates have previously reached markets in the Middle East and Europe, entering the U.S. market via sea transport posed considerable challenges. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), in collaboration with the USDA-APHIS, India’s National Plant Protection Organization, and the ICAR-National Research Centre for Pomegranate (NRCP), successfully coordinated this transatlantic shipment.
After conducting successful air-freight and static trials that demonstrated the fruit’s shelf life could be extended to a travel-friendly 60 days, the first maritime shipment, consisting of 4,620 boxes, received approval.The pomegranates were packed in Navi Mumbai and shipped by Kay Bee Exports, making the journey across the ocean in five weeks while maintaining excellent quality. ‘This is a transformative moment,’ stated Abhishek Dev, Chairman of APEDA. ‘Implementing sea protocols for perishable goods like pomegranates can significantly lower logistics costs and open up long-distance markets that were previously deemed too costly or risky.’ Although pomegranates may not yet rival the fame of alphonso mangoes or Darjeeling tea, their global appeal is rapidly increasing, particularly in the U.S., where health-conscious consumers are increasingly drawn to these antioxidant-rich ‘superfruits.’And with pre-clearance visits from USDA officials already in motion, the path has been paved for smoother future exports, Indian officials said
