New Delhi: A maiden consignment of 1.755 metric tonnes of certified organic palmyra jaggery powder from Tamil Nadu was flagged off on October 15 for Varna, Bulgaria with support from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
The shipment from Gobichettipalayam in Erode district carries organic certification under NPOP and European Union standards. It will travel by sea through Chennai Port.
Erode based Wellbeing Foods manufactured and exported the product in collaboration with Chennai’s Chetty Exports Private Limited. Sow Life Ltd will handle imports and distribution in Bulgaria.
The initiative seeks to connect producers of Tamil Nadu’s traditional palmyra products with overseas buyers while expanding India’s range of organic exports. It covers 137 acres under organic cultivation.
Reported price realisation is approximately 15-22% for farmers while the manufacturer’s price realisation is 17% higher than in the domestic market. The initiative offers participating producers an opportunity to improve their earnings.
Made from palmyra blossom nectar the jaggery powder is a traditional sweetener. Developing it for export creates opportunities for value addition while supporting producers associated with Tamil Nadu’s longstanding palmyra based agricultural practices.
APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev flagged off the consignment. Secretary Saswati Bose, senior officials, exporter representatives, international partners and other stakeholders attended the ceremony.
APEDA, which operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry supports exports through market development, quality compliance and connections, between Indian producers and overseas buyers.
