Big stride for India's fresh fruit export sector: First Consignment of MD 2 Pineapples Sent from India to UAE; why this variety is special?

In a significant stride for India's fresh fruit export sector, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, facilitated the successful export of the first consignment of MD 2 variety pineapples to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The consignment, comprising 8.7 metric tons (650 boxes) of the prized MD 2 pineapples, was ceremoniously flagged off by Chairman, APEDA, Abhishek Dev, in the presence of senior officials from APEDA and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research - Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR CCARI).

'MD 2 variety is renowned for its sweetness and quality'

"This marks a pivotal moment in India's agricultural export history, showcasing our ability to produce and supply premium quality pineapples to global markets," said Abhishek Dev. "The MD 2 variety is renowned for its exceptional sweetness and quality, and we are thrilled to introduce it to the UAE market”, he said.

The MD 2 pineapple, also known as "Golden Ripe" or "Super Sweet," has become the gold standard in the pineapple industry, with significant cultivation in countries like Costa Rica, the Philippines, and Thailand.

Private firm grew this variety in partnership with local farmers in Sindhudurg dist

ICAR CCARI provided essential technical support for post-harvest management and development of sea protocol for the MD 2 pineapple produced in the Sindhudurg district of the Konkan region in Maharashtra. A private firm successfully grew this variety on 200 acres in partnership with local farmers, ensuring optimal quality and yield.

The harvested pineapples were meticulously graded, sorted, packed, and stored in Panvel, Navi Mumbai. From there, the consignment was transported to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) for its onward journey to the UAE.

APEDA continues its dedicated efforts to promote the export of fresh fruits and vegetables from India. This first trial shipment of MD 2 pineapples signifies a substantial addition to APEDA’s export basket, enhancing India's presence in the global market.

Why is this pineapple variety so special? 

MD-2 or Dinar pineapple is the standard for the international market because of its colour, flavour, shape, lifespan and ripeness. At present it has occupied 50-55% of world market and 70-75% of European market in fresh pineapple.  This is due to its excellent fruit qualities like sweet taste, low acidity (0.4-0.45%), medium fruit size (1.5 to 2.0 kg), cylindrical shape with square shoulder,  small core size, resistant to internal browning, very long shelf life (about 30 days) etc.  

Longer shelf life 

The most important fruit qualities of MD-2 are its long shelf life and cylindrical shape. Instead of just 21 days for the normal varieties, it has 30 days of shelf life and is able to survive in cold storage for up to two weeks. MD-2 variety fetches a premium price than other varieties.  Hence MD-2 will be the best pineapple variety that can be imported for cultivation in Kerala which will increase the export share of the pineapple produced in the state.