The first-ever international shipment of GI-tagged Waigaon turmeric from Wardha to Dubai was flagged off from District Collector Office in Wardha, on Friday. The initiative, led by Universe Exports and the Exim Farmer Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EFICCI), was made possible through the strategic support of ATMA Wardha, the Agriculture Department, and funding assistance from APEDA under its first-time export promotion scheme. Waigaon Turmeric, known for its distinct aroma and high curcumin content, holds a special place among India’s turmeric varieties due to its superior medicinal and nutritional properties. Despite significant international demand, no exporter had stepped forward to operationalise the product’s global trade - until Universe Exports took the lead. With support from EFICCI, the initiative has now become a reality. As part of this initiative, 1.5 tonne of fresh GI-certified turmeric was procured from three local Farmer Producer Companies at Rs 150/kg, with 100 per cent payment made in advance - ensuring direct financial benefit to farmers.

 

The produce was then transported to Nagpur airport, from where it was now sent to Dubai via air freight. The shipment will be promoted at Sahara Centre Mall, Sharjah, through the marketing platform of Our Wellness Village DMCC. The shipment was sent in presence of Maharashtra Minister of State for Home – Rural, Housing, School Education, Cooperation, Mining; and Guardian Minister of Wardha District - Dr Pankaj Bhoyar. On the occasion, Dr Pankaj Bhoyar applauded the achievement, calling it a moment of pride for the district. Dr Pankaj Bhoyar further announced efforts to facilitate sending local farmers to Dubai, enabling them to understand international market systems firsthand and promising full cooperation to Universe Exports for scaling up this mission. Prashant Waghmare, Regional Head of APEDA Mumbai, addressed the gathering and shared detailed insights about the financial assistance schemes available under APEDA, encouraging farmers and exporters to take advantage of Government-supported export promotion mechanisms. Vanmathi C District Collector; Dr Nalini Bhoyer, Project Director, ATMA Wardha; Pravin Wankhade, Chairman of EFICCI and CEO of Universe Exports; senior officers from the Agriculture Department, including the Divisional and District Joint Directors, farmer leaders representing Waigaon Halad Producer Company Ltd., Krushinnooti FPC, and Vidarbha FPC Farmer-Centric Export Model were present.