A Breakaway from sugarcane: GI-tagged Jaggery from Muzaffarnagar Arrives in Bangladesh
In a significant milestone for India’s agricultural exports, 30 metric tons (MT) of “GI-tagged jaggery” have been successfully exported to Bangladesh. This initiative, spearheaded by the Assam-based Agri Export Development Foundation (APEDA), marks the beginning of direct exports from the western Uttar Pradesh region known for its high-quality sugarcane. The ceremony was organized by the Basmati Export Development Foundation (BEDF) under APEDA’s aegis on January 30, 2025.
Background on Muzaffarnagar and sugarcane quality
Muzaffarnagar is a region renowned for its high-quality sugarcane, which not only contributes to the state’s food security but also offers excellent agricultural products. The exports of “GI-tagged jaggery” from this region are a testament to their superior quality and reliability.
Milestone Export: 30 MT of Jaggery
The export of 30 MT of jaggery marks a significant milestone in India’s agricultural exports. As the agriculture sector becomes increasingly globalized, ensuring that Muzaffarnagar’s sugarcane remains in demand abroad is crucial for boosting the region’s economic resilience.
The Export Ceremony
The ceremony was attended by several key officials and heads of organizations including:
- MLA, Shamli, Shri Prasanna Chaudhary (General Manager, BEDF)
- Dr. Ritesh Sharma, AAMO
- Shri Rahul Yadav, Chairman, Brijnanadan Agro FarmerProducer Company (BFAFC), Shri Sandeep Chaudhary
This event underscored the importance of state government support in ensuring quality standards for global competitiveness.
The Initiative: Empowering FPOs
APEDA’s vision aims to empower Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Farmers Producer Companies (FPCs) to export jaggery, sugarcane, rice, and pulses. This initiative is a crucial step towards expanding agricultural exports opportunities for Uttar Pradesh and ensuring a sustainable and profitable future for India’s agriculture sector.
Brijnanandan Agro FarmerProducer Company (BFAFC)
BFAFC, formed in 2023, has 545 members, including two women directors. The FPO specializes in exporting jaggery, sugarcane products, Basmati rice, and pulses. With training and technical support from BEDF, its members are well-equipped to meet international production standards.
Financial Assistance
This initiative is the third success story of a FPO from Western Uttar Pradesh, following exports to Lebanon and Oman in 2023 and 2024. Importantly, only one FPO in Uttar Pradesh has received financial assistance under APEDA’s Agri Export Policy: ₹4 lakh.
Conclusion
The export of jaggery from Muzaffarnagar marks a significant step towards expanding agricultural exports opportunities for Uttar Pradesh and ensuring a sustainable future for India’s agriculture sector. With APEDA’s support and the empowerment of FPOs, this initiative serves as an inspiration to farmers, agriculturalists, and policymakers alike.
In closing, the government remains committed to supporting rural areas and promoting infrastructure development to ensure that agricultural products reach the global market efficiently. Let’s continue this journey towards a more viable agricultural future for India!