New Delhi [India], June 4 : In a boost to India's agri-food exports, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), on June 3, eased the first-ever sea shipment of millet-based ready-to-cook functional foods from Karnataka to New Zealand, according to a statement by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
Millets have become a key part of India's agricultural exports owing to their nutritional value, climate resilience and growing demand in international markets. Furthermore, the production and export of value-added millet products are creating new growth opportunities for farmers, food processors and exporters, while contributing to the expansion of India's agri-food export portfolio.
"The development and export of value-added millet products are creating new opportunities for farmers, food processors and exporters while contributing to the diversification and expansion of India's agri-food exports," the release added.
"The export consignment, comprising one metric tonne of value-added millet-based products, was shipped by M/s Infini Agrotek LLP, Bengaluru," the release said.
As per the Ministry, the shipment reflects that demand for millet-based products made from India's traditional grains is increasing around the world, highlighting new opportunities for exporting higher-value agricultural products from India.
"The shipment reflects the growing global demand for innovative millet-based products derived from India's traditional grains and underscores the expanding opportunities for value-added agricultural exports from the country," the release said.
As per the release, the export of botanical-infused millet functional foods further reflects the growing potential of India's value-added agricultural products, which will likely benefit millet-growing farmers through enhanced demand and improved market access.
"Such initiatives contribute to strengthening India's agri-export ecosystem while generating opportunities across the millet value chain," the release said.
Praising the initiative via social media, Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, said, "Small grain making big global impact! Kudos to @APEDADOC for facilitating the first-ever sea shipment of botanical-infused ready-to-cook millet functional foods from India to New Zealand."
"The Modi Government's efforts to popularise 'Shree Anna' globally continue to create new opportunities for our farmers and entrepreneurs," he added.