Fresh jamuns make UK debut; Karnataka farmers reap nearly double the price

After exporting premium cherries from Jammu and Kashmir to Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E., India has marked a new milestone with the first-ever shipment of fresh Jamun to the U.K, said Union commerce and industry minister, Piyush Goyal. 

“For the first time, fresh JAMUNS have been exported, expanding the markets for our hardworking farmers,” he posted on X. 

This export, flagged off by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) on June 19, highlights India’s growing prominence in global agricultural markets. Until now, Jamun exports were limited to frozen or processed forms like seed powder.

The fresh Jamun (Kundana variety) was sourced directly from a Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) in Karnataka, and was exported by Anantha Organic Products Pvt. Ltd. Farmers earned ₹110 per kg for their produce, nearly double the ₹50–60 per kg typically fetched in Indian markets.

Packed at a plant quarantine-approved facility established by Karnataka’s Department of Horticulture, this shipment represents the facility's first use for exporting whole Jamun fruits.

Karnataka is a leading Jamun-growing region. Known for its rich medicinal and health benefits, the Kundana variety of Jamun is anticipated to resonate well with international consumers.

Recently, premium cherries were exported from Jammu and Kashmir to Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E., showcasing India’s growing reputation as a supplier of high-quality agricultural products under the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative.

India’s fruit and vegetable exports rose 5.67% to $3.87 billion in FY25, contributing to the nation’s record-breaking $820.93 billion in merchandise and services exports. Through initiatives like GI tagging, ‘One District, One Product’ (ODOP), and capacity-building programmes, APEDA is steering efforts to make Indian produce a global favourite.