PURANDAR FIGS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has successfully facilitated the export of India's first ready-to-drink fig juice, crafted from GI-tagged Purandar figs, to Poland.

Purandar figs

• About: These are celebrated as one of India's finest, recognized for their sweet taste, size, and nutritional benefits.

oThese are known for their unique tastes and textures.

oIt has high pulp content and rich source of vitamins & minerals

• Cultivation Area: Grown in various villages of Purandar taluka, Pune district, Maharashtra.
• Agro-Climatic Condition: Requires dry weather, hilly slopes, and well-drained medium land for optimal growth.
• Soil Composition: Red and black soil with high Calcium and Potassium content contributes to the fig's violet color and size.
• GI Tag: Awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag in 2016.

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)

• Establishment: Founded by the Government of India under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act of 1985.
• Objective: Aims to develop and promote the export of scheduled products.
• Scheduled Products: Products specified under the APEDA Act, with exporters required to register with APEDA.
• Headquarters: New Delhi.