New Delhi, June 7 (IANS) In a boost to agricultural exports from Jharkhand, the first commercial consignment of fresh mangoes from the state was flagged off for the United Kingdom under an initiative supported by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the Ministry of Commerce & Industry said on Sunday.

The export flag-off ceremony was held in Kolkata on June 4, 2026, marking a significant milestone for farmer producer groups in Jharkhand.

The consignment consists of 1.5 metric tonnes of fresh Amrapali mangoes sourced from Beura Farmer Producer Company Ltd., an all-women farmer producer company based in Bano Block of Simdega district.

The shipment is being exported to London by M/s JGB Agrofresh Pvt. Ltd. M/s JGB Agrofresh Pvt. Ltd., which has partnered with the farmer group through APEDA’s facilitation.

The development follows an export-oriented capacity building programme conducted by APEDA on May 5, 2026, in Simdega district.

The programme trained Farmer Producer Companies, Farmer Producer Organisations and progressive farmers on export requirements, quality standards and global market opportunities.

After the training programme, APEDA enabled a direct linkage between Beura Farmer Producer Company Ltd. and M/s JGB Agrofresh Pvt. Ltd. for procurement of export-quality mangoes.

This collaboration helped integrate local farmers into the agricultural export value chain for the first time.

Officials noted that farmers associated with the producer company have already begun receiving better returns compared to prevailing domestic market prices.

The initiative is also expected to encourage better farming practices in the region, including improved post-harvest handling, quality assurance and compliance with international standards.

Jharkhand, known for its favourable agro-climatic conditions, has been identified as a promising region for horticulture cultivation.

The Amrapali mango variety grown in the state is known for its quality and growing market acceptance in both domestic and international markets.

–IANS

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