With Virginia looking to boost its trade with India, a firm from the US state has signed a deal for the export of apples to the country.

"I am pleased to announce this new sale of Crown's 2015 apple crop into the highly competitive Indian produce market," Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe said in a statement.

"After opening the Indian apple market for Virginia producers last year, it was important that we continue that momentum and push hard to expand those sales," he said adding that export deals like this one will play a vital role in generating additional revenue and jobs for the State.

A MoU on the export of apples was signed between officials of Crown Orchard Company and IG International in Mumbai in the presence of McAuliffe.

"We have focused on India as an important strategic market for Virginia agricultural and forestry products since launching the export growth initiative in 2011," said Todd Haymore, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry.

"Virginia has emerged as the second largest apple exporting state to India, and we are working continuously to drive more sales and make new introductions between our producers and Indian apple importers," he said.

In 2014, Virginia exported about apples worth $1.6 million to India, up from zero in late 2011, when Virginia opened its representative trade office.

As of September of this year, Virginia has exported apples worth $1.2 million in to India.

Exports to India in 2014 represented more than half of the state's total apple exports worldwide, while the year-to-date sales as of September to India account for more than 60 per cent of this year's total apple exports.

"Virginia apples are already earning a solid reputation amongst Indian produce buyers for their high quality, sweet flavour and overall value," said Tarun Arora, CEO of IG International.

"Apples are in high demand in India, and I am pleased to have found a great new source for quality apples in Virginia and the Crown Orchard Company," he said.

Source:- economictimes.indiatimes.com