India exports first-ever rose-scented litchi batch from Pathankot to Qatar

Hyderabad: India flagged off its first consignment of rose-scented litchi from Pathankot to Qatar. The Government of India said that it is a significant boost to India’s horticultural exports.

The export one metric tonne of litchi from Pathankot to Doha in Qatar on June 23 was facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of Punjab.

In addition, 0.5 metric tonne of litchi was also exported to Dubai, UAE, from Pathankot, marking a twin export achievement and reinforcing India’s potential in global fresh fruit markets.

“This milestone initiative underscores the excellence of India’s horticultural produce and highlights the country’s growing agri-export capabilities. It offers immense opportunities for farming communities by providing international market access for their fresh and high-value produce,” a public statement from the government said.

The initiative was facilitated by APEDA, in association with the Department of Horticulture, Government of Punjab, Lulu Group, and farmer Prabhat Singh from Sujanpur in Himachal Pradesh, who supplied the high-quality produce.

Punjab contributes 12.39% of India’s total litchi output

According to the National Horticulture Board, Punjab’s litchi production for FY 2023–24 stood at 71,490 metric tonnes, contributing 12.39 per cent to India’s total litchi output. During the same period, India exported 639.53 metric tonnes of litchi.

The area under cultivation was 4,327 hectares with an average yield of 16,523 kg/ha.

The flagged-off consignment, comprising a reefer pallet of premium Pathankot litchis, represents a major step forward for the region’s growers.

The success of farmers like Prabhat Singh underscores the potential of Pathankot—which benefits from favourable agro-climatic conditions—as an emerging hub for quality litchi cultivation and exports, the government said.

Notably, during FY 2024-25 (April-March), India’s export of fruits and vegetables reached $3.87 billion, registering a 5.67 per cent growth over the previous year. While mangoes, bananas, grapes, and oranges continue to dominate fruit exports, cherries, jamun and litchis are now increasingly finding their place in international markets.

These efforts reflect the Government of India’s commitment to expanding the agri-export basket, empowering farmers, and enhancing the global competitiveness of Indian produce.

With focused interventions, APEDA continues to play a key role in enabling market access for FPOs, FPCs and agri-exporters—solidifying India’s position as a global leader in agricultural and processed food products, the statement said.