The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the export of 1.3 metric tonnes (MT) of premium Sinduri pomegranates from Kullu district to Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Officially flagged off by APEDA Chairman Shri Abhishek Dev, the shipment marks a significant milestone in direct farmer-to-market integration. The consignment—comprising 650 carefully packed boxes of 2 kg each—was procured directly from local growers and the Bhuntar Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO), which unites approximately 600 farmers in the region. The trade was executed by Uttar Pradesh-based Amama Exports with ground-level coordination supported by the Kullu district horticulture administration.
Empowering Local Farmers with 50% Premium Realisation
The Sinduri variety is renowned for its deep red skin, juicy arils, and perfectly balanced sweet-tart flavour, making it a standout candidate for international fresh consumption. By bypassing multi-tier intermediaries through direct FPO procurement, participating farmers achieved a 50% higher price realisation compared to prevailing domestic market benchmarks.
“This initiative underscores the transformative power of collective participation,” noted officials during the flag-off ceremony. “Connecting regional FPOs directly with exporters establishes a repeatable model for quality-focused horticultural production across the state.”
Diversifying Himachal’s Horticultural Basket
While Himachal Pradesh has long been celebrated as India’s apple heartland, this export signals a deliberate push to diversify the state’s agricultural offerings in foreign markets. Potential growth avenues now include:
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Stone Fruits & Persimmons: Emerging demand in Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian retail chains.
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Processed Horticultural Goods: Value-added fruit juices, dried snacks, and ready-to-eat products.
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Varietal Expansion: Scaling cultivation of complementary pomegranate varieties such as Bhagwa and Kandhari.
Strengthening the UAE–India Agri-Trade Corridor
The UAE remains one of India’s most crucial trade partners for agricultural commodities. In FY 2025–26 alone, India exported APEDA-scheduled agricultural and processed food products worth USD 2.59 billion (approx. 3.81 million MT) to the UAE.
By ensuring strict quality compliance, seamless cold-chain Logistics, and robust FPO integration, initiatives like the Kullu pomegranate export lay the groundwork for high-value regional produce to secure a permanent footprint on international shelves.
