The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has facilitated the export of frozen food products from Haryana to Canada. On 1 October 2026, a consignment of 24 metric tonnes of frozen vegetables and processed foods was shipped from Sonipat by Aterna Foods Producer Company Limited, a farmer producer organisation (FPO). This marks a step towards integrating Indian farmer groups into global export markets and creating new income opportunities for agricultural producers.
Key facts
- Consignment size: 24 metric tonnes (2,295 boxes) of frozen food products
- Shipment value: CAD 35,140 (Canadian dollars)
- Origin: Sonipat, Haryana
- Destination: Canada
- Exporting unit: Aterna Foods Producer Company Limited
- Export date: 1 October 2026
- Products exported: green peas, mixed vegetables, peas and carrots, sweet corn, samosa and other frozen items
- Support received: APEDA Financial Assistance Scheme
What is an FPO and why does this matter
A Farmer Producer Organisation is a collective body formed by farmers to pool their resources and produce, enabling them to access better markets and command higher prices. Rather than selling individually to middlemen, farmers in an FPO jointly produce, process and export goods, keeping a larger share of the final value. Direct exports by FPOs, as in this case, allow farmers to bypass intermediaries and realise higher returns on their produce.
Products and processing
The frozen food consignment includes commonly consumed vegetables such as green peas, mixed vegetables, peas and carrots, and sweet corn, alongside value-added products like samosa. These items are processed and frozen to meet international food safety and quality standards required for export. Processing adds value to raw agricultural produce, which helps improve margins for the farmer producers involved.
APEDA’s role and support
APEDA facilitates exports of agricultural and processed food products from India. In this case, the organisation provided financial assistance to Aterna Foods Producer Company Limited through its Financial Assistance Scheme to support the export-oriented food processing facility and the first shipment. APEDA also works to create market linkages between Indian FPOs and international buyers, helping farmer groups identify export opportunities and navigate international trade requirements.
Why Canada and why now
Canada represents an expanding market for Indian frozen vegetables and processed foods. By connecting Indian farmer producer organisations with buyers in developed countries, APEDA aims to create sustained, long-term export demand. The Canadian market offers premium prices for quality frozen vegetables, provided they meet food safety certification standards. This export demonstrates that Indian farmer-led enterprises can compete in stringent international markets.
Connection to NIFTEM
The National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) provided technical and advisory support for this export, according to APEDA’s chairman. NIFTEM likely assisted in food safety training, export documentation, and meeting international food standards required by Canadian importers.
What this means for you
If you are a farmer or part of an FPO in Haryana or elsewhere, this shows that organised farmer groups can now access international markets and earn better prices without relying on traditional middlemen. If you are interested in agricultural entrepreneurship or value-added food processing, the FPO model and APEDA support offer pathways to build export-capable businesses. For consumers, increased farmer incomes through exports can translate to more investment in quality agricultural production and sustainable farming practices.
What happens next
APEDA plans to continue facilitating such FPO-led exports to Canada and other countries. The authority will work to strengthen market linkages between Indian farmer producer organisations and international buyers while supporting food processing units through its Financial Assistance Scheme.