In a significant move to boost India’s horticultural exports, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, flagged off the first-ever consignment of rose-scented litchi from Pathankot, Punjab to Doha, Qatar on 23rd June 2025. The shipment comprised one metric tonne of premium litchis, with an additional 0.5 metric tonne simultaneously dispatched to Dubai, UAE.
This milestone reflects a growing global appetite for India’s high-value horticultural produce and highlights the country’s expanding capabilities in agri-export. The initiative was jointly facilitated by APEDA, the Department of Horticulture, Government of Punjab, Lulu Group, and progressive farmer Prabhat Singh from Sujanpur, who supplied the fruit.
According to the National Horticulture Board, Punjab produced 71,490 metric tonnes of litchi in FY 2023–24 — about 12.39% of India’s total — over 4,327 hectares, with an average yield of 16,523 kg per hectare. In the same year, India’s litchi exports stood at 639.53 metric tonnes.
The premium consignment sent from Pathankot, which enjoys ideal agro-climatic conditions for litchi cultivation, was transported in a refrigerated reefer pallet to ensure freshness. Officials emphasized that this marks an emerging export opportunity for farmers in the region, building a new reputation for Pathankot in global litchi trade.
During FY 2024–25 (April–March), India’s total export of fruits and vegetables touched USD 3.87 billion, representing a 5.67% increase over the previous year. While traditional exports like mangoes, bananas, and grapes dominate, interest in litchis, jamun, and cherries is rising in global markets.
The Government of India, through APEDA, continues to work on diversifying the country’s agri-export basket and facilitating access for FPOs, FPCs, and agri-startups. With quality produce, logistics support, and partnerships with retailers like Lulu Group, Indian farmers are increasingly finding entry into high-value international markets.
