India exports rose-scented litchis to Qatar and UAE for the first time

In a major development for Indian horticulture, the town of Pathankot in Punjab has successfully entered global markets with the export of rose-scented litchis. The first international consignment — one metric tonne — was shipped from Sujanpur to Doha, Qatar, this week.

An additional 600 kilograms of the same variety were also sent to Dubai, UAE, expanding India’s presence in premium fruit markets. The initiative was carried out through collaboration between the Ministry of Commerce and the Punjab government to boost horticultural exports.

The fruit was sourced from farmer Prabhat Singh, whose high-quality litchis were procured at ₹175 ($2.10 USD) per kg, nearly double last year’s rate. This reflects the rising demand and value of this aromatic variety on both domestic and international fronts.

APEDA, the nodal agency for promoting Indian agri-exports, facilitated the procurement and logistics. The fruit has fetched up to ₹375 ($4.50 USD) per kg in Doha and Dubai, and even £18 for two kilograms in the UK market.

Punjab produced over 71,000 metric tonnes of litchis in FY 2023–24, accounting for more than 12% of India’s total output. The state has 4,327 hectares under litchi cultivation with an average yield of 16.5 tonnes per hectare.

India’s total litchi exports last fiscal year stood at 639.53 metric tonnes, as part of a broader fruits and vegetables export sector that grew 5.67% to $3.87 billion in FY 2024–25.

The success of rose-scented litchis adds to India’s expanding export basket, alongside traditional leaders like mangoes and grapes, and emerging fruits like jamun and cherries.

source: khalsavox.com

photo: indiapost.com