Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Ministry of Commerce, has facilitated the first-ever airlift of GI marked Indi Lime from Karnataka and Puliyankudi Lime from Tamil Nadu to the UK.
“Big boost for our farmers! @APEDADOC enables first ever air shipment of GI marked Indi Lime from Karnataka & Puliyankudi Lime from Tamil Nadu to UK. This milestone will empower farmers, open new avenues and strengthen presence of Indian agricultural products in global markets,” Piyush Goyal wrote on X.
Earlier this year, APEDA successfully exported three metric tonnes (MT) of GI marked Swadeshi Lime from Vijaypura, Karnataka to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Sharing the news on social media, Goyal wrote, “Indian GI marked products are making their mark globally. Kudos to APEDADOC for facilitating the first ever export of 3 MT GI marked Swadeshi Indi Lime from Vijayapura, Karnataka to UAE. This milestone opens new opportunities for Indian markets and creates new opportunities for Indian products by our farmers and exporters.”
The Geographical Indication (GI) mark is awarded to products that have distinctive characteristics associated with their place of origin, ensuring authenticity and global recognition. Known for its strong aroma and distinctive taste, Swadeshi Indi Lime has now become part of India’s expanding export portfolio in this category.
Apart from limes, Gharwali apple and apricot exports from Kargil have also found new markets in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar.
Meanwhile, Goyal met European Union Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Šefčovič in Brussels to discuss progress on the ongoing India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks on Tuesday.
In a post on social media, the minister said: “It was a pleasure to meet my friend @MarosSefcovic, EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security.
He added that the discussions were aimed at giving impetus to negotiations on a free trade agreement between India and the EU. Both sides reiterated their joint commitment to reach a swift, balanced and mutually beneficial agreement to strengthen trade and economic ties between India and the European Union.
On Tuesday, Piyush Goyal concluded his two-day official visit to Brussels.
