Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh has marked a major milestone in agricultural exports with the dispatch of its first consignment of fresh Chausa mangoes to the United Kingdom following the implementation of the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The initiative, supported by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), is expected to open new global market opportunities for the state’s farmers and horticulture sector.
The inaugural shipment was flagged off from the Directorate of Horticulture on Sapru Marg in Lucknow by Uttar Pradesh Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Horticulture, Agricultural Marketing, Agricultural Foreign Trade and Agricultural Exports, Dinesh Pratap Singh.
The consignment comprises 1,200 kilograms of fresh Chausa mangoes, making it the first export shipment of fresh mangoes from Uttar Pradesh to the UK after the India–UK trade agreement came into effect.
Speaking on the occasion, Singh said the Yogi Adityanath-led government is committed to ensuring that Uttar Pradesh’s high-quality agricultural and horticultural produce reaches international markets, enabling farmers to secure better prices for their produce. He noted that exports of mangoes and other horticultural products from the state have steadily increased over the past several years, with Uttar Pradesh’s produce now reaching consumers in numerous countries.
The minister credited the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for strengthening export infrastructure and said the upcoming Jewar International Airport would prove to be a game changer for agricultural exports. He said improved air connectivity would make transportation of perishable produce faster, more efficient and cost-effective, benefiting both farmers and exporters.
Singh said the state government has developed an extensive exporter network extending to villages across Uttar Pradesh. While export activities were once concentrated in major cities, they are now expanding across most development blocks. He highlighted the role of the Uttar Pradesh Horticulture Export Promotion Board in guiding farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and agri-entrepreneurs to align production with international market requirements.
Recalling earlier export initiatives, the minister said he had personally facilitated the export of two tonnes of Dasheri mangoes to Moscow, and today Uttar Pradesh’s renowned Dasheri variety is regularly exported to markets including Dubai and several other international destinations.
He said the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement grants zero-duty market access to products accounting for nearly 99 per cent of India’s export value to the United Kingdom. The agreement is expected to significantly boost exports of agricultural, horticultural and processed food products while creating new opportunities for farmers, FPOs, agri-businesses and exporters.
Uttar Pradesh is among India’s leading producers of horticultural crops and mangoes. Its Chausa and Dasheri varieties enjoy global recognition for their distinctive flavour, aroma and premium quality. Officials believe the trade agreement will further accelerate exports of these premium varieties, contributing to higher farm incomes and strengthening the state’s agricultural export ecosystem.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by Additional Chief Secretary for Horticulture and Food Processing B.L. Meena, Director of Horticulture B.P. Ram, APEDA officials, representatives of the Uttar Pradesh Horticulture Export Promotion Board, exporters, packhouse operators, senior departmental officials and farmers.
