New Delhi, 27 June (IANS). India has sent the first consignment of a rose fragrance litchi from Pathankot to Qatar. In order to promote the country’s horticulture exports, the Agriculture and Processed Food Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the Central Government helped to depart the first consignment of 1 MT of Rose with 1 MT of Rose from Pathankot in Punjab to Doha on June 23 in collaboration with Horticulture Department in the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of Punjab.
In addition, 0.5 MT of litchi was also exported from Pathankot to Dubai, which is dual export achievement and strengthens India’s presence in fresh fruit global markets.
This initiative reflects the excellence of India’s horticulture products and highlights the growing agricultural capabilities of the country. This offers farmers immense opportunities by providing access to the international market for their fresh and high -value products.
According to the National Horticulture Board, Punjab’s litchi production for FY 2023-24 was 71,490 MT, which contributes 12.39 percent to India’s total litchi production.
During the same period, India exported 639.53 MT litchi. The area under farming was 4,327 hectares, the average yield was 16,523 kg/hectare.
The consignment of litchi includes a refer palette of premium Pathankot litchi, which is a major step for producers of the region. The success of farmers like Prabhat Singh reflects the ability of Pathankot, which is benefiting from the agricultural conditions favorable as an emerging center for quality litchi cultivation and exports.
The export of fruits and vegetables of India during the financial year 2024–25 (April-March) reached US $ 3.87 billion, showing an increase of 5.67 percent compared to the previous year. Whereas, mangoes, bananas, grapes and oranges dominate the export of fruits. At the same time, cherry, berries and litchi are now rapidly making their place in international markets. These efforts reflect the Indian government’s commitment to increase the scope of agriculture, to strengthen farmers and increase global competitiveness of Indian produce.
-IANS
SK/ABM
