Is India Leading the Way in Exporting Rose-Scented Litchis?

New Delhi, June 27 (NationPress) In a remarkable advancement for India’s horticultural exports, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has successfully organized the shipment of the inaugural consignment of one metric tonne of rose-scented litchi from Pathankot, Punjab, to Doha, Qatar, as stated in an official announcement on Friday.

Additionally, half a metric tonne of litchi was sent to Dubai, UAE, from Pathankot this week, marking a dual export success and emphasizing India’s capabilities in the global fresh fruit market.

This significant initiative, executed in partnership with the Punjab government by APEDA, highlights the quality of India’s horticultural products and showcases the country’s expanding agri-export potential. It provides tremendous opportunities for local farmers by granting them access to international markets for their fresh, high-value products, as per the statement.

The project was made possible through collaboration between APEDA, the Punjab Department of Horticulture, the Lullu Group, and progressive farmer Prabhat Singh from Sujanpur, who provided the top-quality produce.

According to the National Horticulture Board, Punjab’s litchi production for the fiscal year 2023-24 reached 71,490 metric tonnes, accounting for 12.39 percent of India’s total litchi yield. During the same period, India exported 639.53 metric tonnes of litchi, with cultivation covering 4,327 hectares and an average yield of 16,523 kg/ha.

The export shipment, consisting of a reefer pallet of premium Pathankot litchis, marks a significant milestone for local growers. The success of farmers like Prabhat Singh illustrates the potential of Pathankot, which benefits from favorable agro-climatic conditions, as an emerging center for quality litchi cultivation and export, as noted in the statement.

In the fiscal year 2024-25 (April-March), India’s exports of fruits and vegetables reached USD 3.87 billion, reflecting a 5.67 percent rise compared to the last year. While mangoes, bananas, grapes, and oranges still dominate fruit exports, cherries, jamun, and litchis are increasingly carving out a niche in global markets.

These initiatives show the Government of India’s dedication to broadening the agri-export portfolio, empowering farmers, and boosting the global competitiveness of Indian produce. With targeted interventions, APEDA continues to play a pivotal role in facilitating market access for farmers’ organizations and agri-exporters, reinforcing India’s status as a global leader in agricultural and processed food products,” the official statement concluded.