On 15 October 2026, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the flag-off of a 1.755-metric-tonne maiden export consignment of organic Palmyra Jaggery Powder from Gobichettipalayam in Tamil Nadu to Varna, Bulgaria. The product, also known as Palmyra Blossom Nectar, carried certification under India’s National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) and the European Union’s organic standards.
Export Consignment and Trade Partners
M/s Wellbeing Foods, based in Erode, manufactured and exported the consignment in collaboration with M/s Chetty Exports Private Limited, Chennai. M/s Sow Life Ltd is the importer and distributor in Bulgaria. The consignment originated from Gobichettipalayam in Erode district and was destined for Varna, a port city on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast. The export initiative has the stated objectives of introducing traditional Palmyra-based products to overseas markets and diversifying India’s organic export basket. The project covers 137 acres under organic cultivation.
APEDA and Organic Certification
APEDA is a statutory authority under the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It was established under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, 1985, and began functioning in 1986. Its mandate includes promoting exports of scheduled agricultural and processed food products. NPOP sets standards for organic production, accreditation of certification bodies and certification of organic products in India. APEDA implements NPOP. Organic certification provides a regulated basis for marketing products as organic in domestic and international markets. The consignment carried both NPOP and European Union organic certification.
Palmyra Palm and Farmer Returns
Palmyra is the common name for “Borassus flabellifer”, a palm whose sap is used to make traditional sweeteners, including jaggery. Palmyra-based products include jaggery in solid and powdered forms. The organic cultivation project is expected to improve market access for farmers. The projected price realisation is 15–22% higher for farmers and 17% higher for the manufacturer than in the domestic market.
Important Facts for Exams
- APEDA was established under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, 1985.
- APEDA functions under the Department of Commerce in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- NPOP is India’s national framework for organic production standards and certification.
- “Borassus flabellifer” is the botanical name of the Palmyra palm.
The consignment weighed 1.755 metric tonnes and was shipped to Varna, Bulgaria. The organic cultivation project covers 137 acres in Tamil Nadu.
