Bhagwa Pomegranate

• The first trial shipment of fresh ‘Bhagwa pomegranate’ has been exported to the US through the air route.
• This first export consignment was initiated by Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in collaboration with National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) of India.
• ‘Bhagwa’ pomegranate from Maharashtra has substantial export potential and almost 50 % of the fruit’s export from the country is from the state’s Solapur district.
• It has high antioxidant content and super fruit characteristics.

Pomegranate Cultivation

• The country ranks 7^th in the production of pomegranate in the world.
• The total area under cultivation is around 2,75,500 hectares.
• Major pomegranate-producing states are Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Overall, India is the second largest producer of horticulture crops.

About National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO)

• Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage is the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) of India.
• It undertakes all phytosanitary responsibilities for export of Agriculture commodities by providing technical inputs to get foreign market access, phytosanitary inspection, treatment, certification etc. to promote safe trade.