First Commercial Sea Shipment of Unique Indian Pomegranates Reaches US, Says Government

India has successfully sent its first commercial sea shipment of unique pomegranates to the United States, the government announced recently. This marks an important step in boosting India’s fruit exports and opening new markets for farmers.

Officials from the Agriculture and Commerce Ministries said that the pomegranates came from farms in Maharashtra, one of India’s top pomegranate-producing states. After careful sorting and packaging, exporters loaded the fruits onto a ship and sent them to the US by sea. The shipment arrived safely and in good condition.

Before this, Indian pomegranates reached the US only by air, which was expensive and limited the quantity. Sending the fruit by sea allows India to export larger volumes at lower costs. This will help farmers earn more money and give US buyers access to high-quality Indian produce.

The government worked closely with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to make this sea shipment possible. Both countries followed strict safety and quality standards. Indian officials ensured that the fruits were pest-free, fresh, and met all export rules.

To support this effort, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) trained farmers and exporters. They taught them how to grow better-quality fruit, use proper packaging methods, and follow export procedures. Cold storage and shipping systems were also improved to keep the fruit fresh during the long sea journey.

Officials said this successful shipment will open the door for more regular exports of Indian pomegranates and other fruits to the US and other countries. It shows that Indian farmers and exporters can meet global standards and take advantage of international markets.

The government plans to continue helping farmers connect with buyers around the world. More sea shipments are expected in the future, which will help increase India’s agricultural exports and improve the income of local growers.

This achievement marks a new chapter for Indian fruit exports and strengthens trade ties between India and the United States.