A new chapter in India's horticultural exports has opened as the town of Pathankot successfully launched its rose-scented litchis on the international stage. The milestone shipment from Sujanpur, Pathankot, to Doha, Qatar, marked the fruit's first global venture.
The consignment included one metric ton, facilitated by collaboration between the Ministry of Commerce and the Punjab government, leveraging Pathankot's favourable agro-climatic conditions. An additional 600 kilograms were sent to Dubai, UAE.
A key figure behind the initiative is Prabhat Singh of Sujanpur, whose rose-scented litchis have grown in prominence. APEDA procured these litchis at approximately US$2.10 per kilogram, a notable rise from US$1.08 last year. "The surge in price reflects the growing recognition of Pathankot's litchis," said Harpreet Singh, APEDA's regional head for Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. This aligns with APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev's vision to enhance Punjab's horticultural reputation.
Internationally, the litchis fetched up to US$4.50 per kg in Doha and Dubai, and about US$22.80 for two kilograms in the UK. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal called it a "milestone moment" for Punjab, applauding the pioneering export to Qatar.
Punjab contributed 71,490 metric tons of litchis in the last fiscal year, accounting for 12% of India's total output from 4,327 hectares of cultivation. Nationally, India exported 639.53 metric tons of litchis last year amid a 5.67% rise in the country's fruit and vegetable export sector.
Although mangoes and bananas continue to dominate India's horticultural exports, the emergence of cherry, jamun, and rose-scented litchis indicates shifting market trends. This diversification, driven by innovative farming and regional strengths, has the potential to broaden India's export reach.
Source: Khalsa Vox
