Exports of perishable fruits and vegetables from Kerala to Gulf countries have stopped following flight cancellations linked to the conflict in West Asia. The disruption comes during Ramadan, a period that typically sees higher volumes of fresh produce shipments.
According to the Agricultural Products and Processed Food Exporters' Association, 140 to 150 tons of fruits and vegetables were exported daily to Gulf destinations through four airports in Kerala. These shipments have ceased due to the suspension of flights to the region.
"In view of the Ramadan fasting, fruits like pineapple, banana, and plantain were fetching more demand. The average price of the consignments is around 1.5 dollars per kilogram. The exporters are now left with no other option other than selling the products at throwaway prices in the local markets," APEXA president Abraham Thomas told DH.
The impact is currently concentrated on fresh produce exporters using air freight. Processed food exporters have not reported immediate disruption, as their consignments are shipped by sea and have a longer shelf life.
Dry fruit traders in Kerala are monitoring developments. If the conflict continues, imports of dates could be affected, as a large share of higher-grade dates is sourced from Iran.
Separately, a vessel bound for Saudi Arabia from China docked at Kollam port in Kerala due to tensions in the destination region. The vessel, Zaki Vision, was en route to Ras Tanura port in Saudi Arabia and sought shelter in Kollam. Port authorities stated that permission to dock was granted after clearance from central agencies. The Saint Kitts and Nevis-flagged vessel has 12 foreign crew members and will resume its journey when conditions allow.
The halt in air cargo movements is directly affecting exporters reliant on time-sensitive supply chains to Gulf markets during the Ramadan period.
Source: Deccan Herald
