New Delhi, June 19 -- The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the first export consignment of fresh Uttarakhand litchi from Dehradun to Italy, marking the Himalayan state's entry into the European market, the Commerce Ministry said on Friday.

The inaugural shipment, comprising one metric tonne of fresh litchi, was dispatched to Italy. As per the release, the consignment is expected to enhance India's footprint in global fresh fruit markets while creating greater visibility for premium produce from the Himalayan state.

"The inaugural consignment, comprising one metric tonne of fresh litchi, was exported to Italy, showcasing the export potential of Uttarakhand's horticulture sector...