Dehradun, June 19 (PTI) The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the first-ever export consignment of fresh litchis from Uttarakhand to Italy, marking the state's entry into the European market.

The inaugural shipment of one metric tonne of fresh litchis was dispatched from Dehradun on June 18, officials said on Friday.

Grown under unique agro-climatic conditions in the Himalayan region, the Dehradun litchi is known for its distinct sweetness, red colour and delicate aroma. The primary varieties exported include Rose Scented, Calcuttia, and Bedana, which are widely cultivated in the Dehradun, Haridwar, Nainital and Udham Singh Nagar districts.

According to the officials, the export initiative has provided a financial boost to local growers, with farmers securing prices nearly 25 per cent higher than prevailing domestic market rates.

Officials expect this price premium to encourage better production practices and increase farmers' participation in export-oriented cultivation.

The successful dispatch of the consignment was achieved through the coordinated efforts of APEDA, which functions under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Uttarakhand government, local farmer producer organisations (FPOs), exporters, and logistics partners.

APEDA continues to focus on diversifying export destinations for Indian fruits, establishing infrastructure support and implementing quality assurance mechanisms to help farmers access high-value international markets, the officials added. PTI AKY SHM