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Boosts exports of dragon fruit and burmese grapes
In a major boost to the export of exotic fruits, a consignment of fibre and mineral-rich ‘Dragon Fruit’, also referred as Kamalam, has been exported to Dubai. A consignment of Dragon Fruit for exports was sourced from the farmers of Tadasar village, Sangli district, Maharashtra, and it was processed and packed at the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) recognised exporter – Kay Bee.
In addition, a shipment of fresh Burmese grapes referred as ‘Leteku’ in Assamese language has been exported to Dubai from Guwahati. Consignment was exported by APEDA registered Kiega EXIM.
Scientifically referred to as Hylocereusundatus, the dragon fruit is grown in countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, the USA, and Vietnam. Dragon fruit production commenced in India in the early 1990s and was grown as home gardens.
At present, dragon fruit is grown mostly in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The fruit contains fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It can help in repairing the cell damage caused by oxidative stress and reduce inflammation, and also improving the digestive system. On the other hand, Leteku contains vitamin C and Iron.