Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India – In a significant boost to India’s agricultural export sector, Uttar Pradesh has successfully dispatched its first consignment of 30 metric tons (MT) of Geographical Indication (GI) tagged jaggery to Bangladesh. This landmark export marks a new era for local Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), opening direct pathways to international markets.

A flag-off ceremony held in Muzaffarnagar celebrated this achievement, bringing together local officials, farmers, and agricultural representatives. Prasanna Chaudhary, MLA of Shamli, highlighted the superior quality of the region’s jaggery, noting its high demand in international markets. “The jaggery produced in Muzaffarnagar and Shamli is in high demand in international markets,” he stated, acknowledging the crucial role of the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in facilitating this export.

The Brijnandan Agro Farmer Producer Company (FPC), established in 2023 with 545 members, including two women directors, spearheaded this export. The FPC, which also deals in sugarcane products, Basmati rice, and pulses, received significant support from the Basmati Export Development Foundation (BEDF) in terms of training and technical assistance. This support has enabled them to meet stringent international production standards. Notably, Brijnandan Agro FPC is the only FPO in Uttar Pradesh to receive Rs 4 lakh under the state’s Agri Export Policy, designed to enhance agricultural exports.

This export success follows previous achievements by other FPOs in Western Uttar Pradesh. Neer Adarsh Organic Farmer Producer Co Ltd. successfully exported Basmati rice to Lebanon and Oman in 2023 and 2024. The recent event also featured a capacity-building program for approximately 220 farmers, focusing on export promotion of Basmati rice and other agricultural products, emphasizing the importance of meeting international quality standards.

The commerce ministry affirmed the significance of this initiative in expanding export opportunities for Uttar Pradesh farmers. “This initiative represents a significant step in expanding agricultural export opportunities for Uttar Pradesh,” a statement from the ministry read.

Ritesh Sharma, Joint Director of BEDF, emphasized the empowerment of FPOs, stating, “By empowering FPOs for direct agricultural exports, farmers can directly benefit from the international market.” This direct access to international markets is crucial for improving farmer incomes and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.

This successful export is a promising model for India's agricultural future, showcasing the collaborative efforts of government authorities, agricultural organizations, and local farmers. It highlights a focused approach to enhancing food exports, promoting sustainability, and supporting farmer livelihoods in the global market. With continued support and collaboration, Uttar Pradesh and other regions are poised for significant growth in agricultural exports.