Singapore

Guwahati, Aug 27: Assam, known for its bountiful harvests, has achieved a remarkable milestone as its homegrown fruits – including pineapples, kaji lemons, plums, jackfruits, and starfruits – find their way into the bustling markets of Singapore. This achievement comes courtesy of a newly established air cargo link, heralding a promising future for farmers in the state as they venture into Southeast Asian markets.

The news of Assam’s fruits gracing Singaporean markets was proudly shared by the Singapore High Commissioner to India, Simon Wong.

Taking to social media, Wong announced the arrival of the first air cargo shipment of fruits from Assam to Singapore, marking a historic moment in agricultural trade between the two regions. In his tweet, he expressed his satisfaction with this significant development and praised the visionary initiative behind it.

Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, reciprocated with enthusiasm, hailing this achievement as “fantastic.” He underlined its significance by highlighting that, for the first time, Assam’s farmers have directly exported their produce from Guwahati to Singapore. With just a 4.5-hour flight time, this newfound connection has the potential to dramatically increase the agricultural exports of India’s northeastern region.

This significant achievement was made possible with the assistance of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). APEDA facilitated the transportation of a sample shipment, comprising an array of fruits, including pineapples, star fruit, lemons, jackfruits, and mini Indian plums, from Guwahati to Singapore. This marked the first-ever direct shipment from the northeastern region, departing from Guwahati airport and reaching its destination in Singapore.

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The introduction of this air cargo link bears testament to the evolving landscape of trade and commerce in the region. Druk Airlines, having secured permission from Customs Guwahati to handle international cargo, plays a pivotal role in this transformative endeavor.

The flight operates bi-weekly, on Wednesdays and Fridays, covering the route from Paro (Bhutan) to Guwahati and onward to Singapore. With the successful completion of these sample shipments, it is anticipated that many more consignments will follow, solidifying this newly established trade route.

The economic and agricultural implications of this achievement are profound. Assam’s farmers now have access to a broader consumer base in Singapore, expanding their horizons beyond domestic markets. This not only promises increased revenue for the farming community but also promotes the region’s unique and high-quality agricultural products on a global scale.

Furthermore, this initiative aligns with the Indian government’s “Act East Policy,” which emphasizes bolstering ties with Southeast Asian nations. It represents a step forward in enhancing economic cooperation and trade relations with neighboring countries.

As Assam’s fruits find their way into Singaporean households, it is a testament to the resilience, innovation, and potential of India’s agricultural sector. This significant milestone underscores the role of government agencies, airlines, and farmers’ collective efforts in redefining the boundaries of agricultural trade.

In times when the global agricultural landscape is evolving rapidly, Assam’s success story serves as an inspiration for other regions to explore new avenues for agricultural exports. The newfound connection between Assam and Singapore is not just a trade route but a symbol of progress, collaboration, and the boundless potential of India’s agricultural sector on the international stage.