It has been a testing few months now, says Markram on South Africa’s recent T20I form
Since losing to India by seven runs in the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup final at Barbados, South Africa’s form in the format hasn’t been the brightest.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, facilitated the successful export of the first consignment of MD 2 variety pineapples to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
This is a significant stride for India’s fresh fruit export sector.
The Commerce & Industry Ministry said on Thursday that the consignment, comprising 8.7 metric tonnes (650 boxes) of the prized MD 2 pineapples, was ceremoniously flagged off by APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev in the presence of senior officials from APEDA and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR CCARI).
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The MD 2 pineapple, also known as “Golden Ripe” or “Super Sweet,” has become the gold standard in the pineapple industry, with significant cultivation in countries like Costa Rica, the Philippines, and Thailand.
The Chairman of APEDA said, “This marks a pivotal moment in India’s agricultural export history, showcasing our ability to produce and supply premium quality pineapples to global markets.”
“The MD 2 variety is renowned for its exceptional sweetness and quality, and we are thrilled to introduce it to the UAE market”, he added.
The ministry further said that the harvested pineapples were meticulously graded, sorted, packed, and stored in Panvel, Navi Mumbai.
From there, the consignment was transported to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) for its onward journey to the UAE. ICAR CCARI provided essential technical support for post-harvest management and development of sea protocol for the MD 2 pineapple produced in the Sindhudurg district of the Konkan region in Maharashtra.
A private firm successfully grew this variety on 200 acres in partnership with local farmers, ensuring optimal quality and yield, the ministry said.
This first trial shipment of MD 2 pineapples signifies a substantial addition to APEDA’s export basket, enhancing India’s presence in the global market.
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