A new export pathway has been established for Nepalese fruits, with Kozhikode in India set to serve as the inspection and dispatch point for overseas shipments. The arrangement follows a memorandum of understanding signed between the Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and the Kerala Exporters Forum in the presence of Nepal's Minister for Industry Mitra Lal Basyal.
The agreement covers fruits grown in Nepal's high-altitude, cold-climate regions, including blackberry, blueberry, mulberry, plum, fig, avocado, pomegranate, dragon fruit, and Zabargill. These products will be moved to Kerala for quality inspection before being exported to Singapore, Malaysia, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and other markets. Exporters note that Nepalese fruits have strong international demand due to their quality and comparatively lower prices.
Nepal currently faces limited direct air connectivity to key markets and higher air freight rates. Exporters report that supplying volumes that do not match buyer specifications can lead to the loss of whole markets, making an alternative route through Kozhikode commercially relevant. According to the Kerala Exporters Forum, the lower cost of Nepalese fruits and a 10 per cent margin after air freight and handling charges provide profitability. The weaker Nepalese currency compared with the Indian rupee also supports returns when selling in markets with stronger currencies such as the dirham and riyal.
Quality inspections will be carried out at the State Industries Cargo Complex at Kozhikode Airport and at the Health Science Department laboratory of the University of Calicut. The initiative has approval from the Central Government and the Plant Quarantine Department. The Pokhara Chamber will coordinate the collection and dispatch of fruit.
Exports will be managed by the Kerala Exporters Forum with support from the Federation of Indian Export Organisations. The memorandum of understanding was signed by CT Munshid Ali, Secretary General of the Kerala Exporters Forum, and Gokarna Karki, President of the Pokhara Chamber of Commerce.
Source: Mathrubhumi
