Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
In a major push to India’s horticulture exports, the first shipment of rose-scented litchis from Pathankot, Punjab, was sent to Doha, Qatar, on Monday, June 23, according to a statement from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Friday, June 27. Along with the consignment to Qatar, 0.5 metric tonnes of litchis were also exported to Dubai, UAE, further strengthening India’s presence in premium fresh fruit markets.
Punjab produced 71,490 metric tonnes of litchis in the 2023-24 financial year, contributing over 12% to India’s total litchi production. The cultivation spanned across 4,327 hectares, with an average yield of 16,523 kg per hectare, according to the National Horticulture Board. In the same period, India exported 639.53 metric tonnes of litchis.
The consignment, which is a reefer pallet of premium litchis, is expected to create new export opportunities for local farmers, especially in regions like Pathankot, which provide ideal agro-climatic conditions for growing high-quality litchis.
In FY 2024-25, India’s fruit and vegetable exports totaled $3.87 billion, an increase of 5.67% from the previous year. While bananas, mangoes, grapes, and oranges are the top exported fruits, other fruits like litchis, jamun, and cherries are gaining popularity in global markets.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry said this initiative is part of the Government of India’s broader effort to enhance the competitiveness of Indian produce, empower farmers, and diversify the agricultural export basket. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, facilitated the initiative, marking an important step in expanding India’s global agri-export presence.
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