APEDA flags off first shipment of premium rose-scented litchis from Pathankot to Doha and Dubai, boosting India’s agri-exports.
In a major stride for India’s agri-exports, the first international consignment of rose-scented litchis from Pathankot, Punjab, has been successfully dispatched to Doha, Qatar, with an additional shipment heading to Dubai, UAE. The milestone was facilitated by APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture, Government of Punjab.
The landmark consignment, comprising 1 metric tonne of aromatic litchis to Qatar and 0.5 metric tonnes to the UAE, was flagged off on 23rd June 2025, marking a twin achievement for Indian horticulture exports.
This initiative brings to light the growing potential of Pathankot as a key litchi-producing region, with its favourable agro-climatic conditions and dedicated farmers like Prabhat Singh of Sujanpur, whose high-quality produce formed the heart of this first shipment. The effort also saw active support from Lulu Group, underscoring a collaborative push for fresh fruit exports from India.
“It’s a proud moment for Indian horticulture,” said an official from APEDA. “We’re opening global doors for our farmers and premium produce.”
According to the National Horticulture Board, Punjab contributed 12.39% of India’s litchi output in FY 2023–24, with 71,490 metric tonnes harvested over 4,327 hectares, and an average yield of 16,523 kg/ha. India as a whole exported 639.53 metric tonnes of litchis during the same period.
The move holds great promise for farmers across the region, as premium exports like this one fetch higher returns and bolster the state’s image as a high-quality fruit supplier. For Pathankot’s farming community, the refrigerated shipment represents more than just a sale—it’s a step toward global recognition.
The milestone is set against the backdrop of rising fruit and vegetable exports from India. In FY 2024–25 (April–March), India’s agri-export basket reached USD 3.87 billion, recording a 5.67% growth from the previous year. While exports are traditionally dominated by mangoes, bananas, grapes, and oranges, fruits like cherry, jamun, and litchi are now carving their niche in international markets.
This achievement also echoes the Government of India’s larger vision of strengthening farmers’ income and expanding India’s footprint in global food supply chains. APEDA continues to drive forward-looking efforts to improve market access, infrastructure, and export readiness for FPOs, FPCs, and agri-exporters.
As the scent of Punjab’s premium litchis reaches Middle Eastern shores, India takes another confident step in reshaping the narrative of high-value horticulture on the global stage.
Source: PIB
