In a significant boost to India’s value-added agricultural exports, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has facilitated the first export of 24 metric tonnes of frozen French fries from Kashipur in Uttarakhand’s Udham Singh Nagar district to Iraq.
The consignment, exported by Virun Global Trade Pvt. Ltd., marks an important milestone in promoting processed food exports from Uttarakhand while strengthening India’s growing presence in the global processed food market.
The exporter expressed confidence that the superior quality of the product would generate repeat orders and establish long-term business partnerships in international markets, creating sustained export opportunities for both the company and the region. APEDA has supported the exporter through participation in major international trade exhibitions, including SIAL, Gulfood, IndusFood and World Food India, enabling wider market access and stronger buyer engagement.
India continues to emerge as a leading supplier of processed agricultural products worldwide. During 2025-26, the country’s exports of processed vegetables reached 726,874.70 metric tonnes, valued at USD 932.25 million. Of this, value-added potato products accounted for 277,108.51 metric tonnes, with exports valued at USD 289.40 million. Processed fruits and vegetables together contributed nearly 10% of APEDA’s scheduled exports during the year.
APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev highlighted that logistics costs remain a key factor affecting the export competitiveness of landlocked states such as Uttarakhand. He said APEDA is working closely with the Government of Uttarakhand on the formulation and implementation of the State Agri Export Policy, which includes transport assistance measures aimed at improving export competitiveness and expanding global market access for exporters.
The growing processed food industry in Uttarakhand is expected to create stronger opportunities across the agricultural value chain by increasing demand for quality raw produce, promoting value addition at the source and encouraging greater participation in export-oriented supply chains. These initiatives are also expected to improve farmers’ incomes through better market access while enhancing the state’s processed food exports.
APEDA continues to collaborate with State Governments, exporters, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), processors and other stakeholders to strengthen export infrastructure, facilitate access to international markets and promote value-added agricultural exports from India.
