Tirupati Begins First Mango Pulp Exports To UK Under India-UK FTA

What are you doing? The first container carrying mango pulp from Tirupati was flagged for export to the UK on Monday following the implementation of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

The container, exported by Tirupati-based Sri Varsha Foods, was flagged off by RP Naidu, regional deputy director general of the agricultural and processed food products export development authority; Phani Kiran, deputy general manager of foreign trade, Akşami Reddy, joint director, horticulture, and Jayabharath Reddy, Tirupati district horticulture officer.

Jayabharath Reddy said that the India-UK Free Trade Agreement has opened new export opportunities for horticultural products from AP. He said the first export of mango pulp from Tirupati to the UK was a proud moment for the region.

He said higher exports would help farmers get better prices for their products while spurring growth in the food processing sector. Quality production and scientific processing will strengthen the state’s presence in international markets.

Jayabharath Reddy said the horticulture department will continue to provide technical support to farmers. Close coordination between farmers, processors and exporters will help expand horticulture, increase value addition and increase exports of the state.

He said such initiatives would encourage more food processing units to explore overseas markets and create additional employment in rural areas. Farmers were advised to maintain quality standards, adopt better post-harvest practices and work with exporters to meet international requirements.