The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), functioning under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has enabled the first-ever export of frozen French fries from Uttarakhand to Iraq. The shipment, consisting of 24 tonnes of frozen French fries, was dispatched from Kashipur in Udham Singh Nagar district by Virun Global Trade Pvt. Ltd., marking a significant step in expanding the state’s presence in international processed food markets.
The export represents an important milestone for Uttarakhand’s food processing sector, highlighting the growing potential of value-added agricultural products from the state. It also reflects India’s continued efforts to diversify its agricultural export portfolio by focusing on processed food products with higher global demand.
Strengthening Value-Added Agricultural Exports
The successful export demonstrates the increasing capabilities of Indian food processors in meeting international quality standards. Frozen potato products such as French fries have witnessed rising demand across global markets, creating new opportunities for Indian exporters.
According to the exporting company, the shipment is expected to pave the way for repeat business with buyers in Iraq. The company expressed confidence that the quality of the product would help establish long-term commercial relationships, generating sustained export opportunities for both the enterprise and the agricultural ecosystem of Uttarakhand.
The development is expected to encourage more food processing units in the region to explore export markets while motivating farmers to cultivate high-quality produce suitable for processing industries.
APEDA’s Role in Expanding Global Market Access
APEDA has played an active role in supporting the exporter through various export promotion initiatives. The authority has facilitated participation in internationally recognized food and trade exhibitions, including SIAL, Gulfood, IndusFood and World Food India.
These platforms have enabled Indian exporters to showcase their products before global buyers, establish business partnerships and identify emerging market opportunities. Such promotional efforts have contributed significantly to improving the international visibility of India’s processed food sector.
By connecting exporters with overseas importers and providing market development support, APEDA continues to strengthen India’s agricultural export ecosystem.
Processed Food Exports Continue to Grow
India has steadily emerged as an important supplier of processed agricultural products in global markets. During the financial year 2025-26, the country exported 726,874.70 metric tonnes of processed vegetables valued at USD 932.25 million.
Among these, value-added potato products accounted for exports of 277,108.51 metric tonnes, generating export earnings of USD 289.40 million. Processed fruits and vegetables together contributed nearly 10 percent of APEDA’s scheduled exports during the year, underlining the sector’s growing importance in India’s agricultural export basket.
The figures highlight the increasing global demand for Indian processed food products and the expanding role of food processing in enhancing agricultural value addition.
Addressing Logistics Challenges
APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev noted that transportation costs remain a major challenge for exporters operating from landlocked states such as Uttarakhand. Higher logistics expenses often reduce the competitiveness of products in overseas markets.
To address this issue, APEDA is working closely with the Uttarakhand Government on preparing and implementing the State Agri Export Policy. The proposed policy includes provisions for transport assistance aimed at reducing export costs, improving competitiveness and expanding market access for exporters from the state.
Such measures are expected to strengthen the state’s export infrastructure and make its processed agricultural products more competitive in international markets.
Benefits for Farmers and the Food Processing Sector
The growing processed food industry in Uttarakhand is creating stronger linkages between agriculture and industry. Rising demand for quality raw materials is encouraging farmers to produce crops that meet processing standards while ensuring better price realization.
Expansion of export-oriented food processing also promotes value addition at the source, generates employment in rural areas and strengthens supply chains involving farmers, processors, exporters and logistics providers.
Improved market access through exports is expected to contribute to higher farm incomes while supporting the state’s broader economic development.
Building a Stronger Agricultural Export Ecosystem
APEDA continues to collaborate with state governments, exporters, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), food processors and other stakeholders to strengthen India’s agricultural export infrastructure. The authority remains focused on improving market access, encouraging value addition and promoting processed agricultural products in international markets.
The successful export of frozen French fries from Uttarakhand to Iraq serves as another example of India’s expanding capabilities in the global processed food sector. As infrastructure improves and policy support continues, such initiatives are expected to create new opportunities for farmers, processors and exporters while reinforcing India’s position as a reliable supplier of high-quality value-added agricultural products.
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
