India flagged off its first consignment of rose-scented litchis from Pathankot, Punjab, to Doha, Qatar, on June 23, 2025.
Facilitated by APEDA under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, this shipment included 1 metric tonne of premium litchis, with an additional 0.5 metric tonne headed for Dubai, UAE.
This dual-export milestone marks a significant achievement in enhancing India’s fresh fruit footprint in Gulf markets, traditionally dominated by mangoes and bananas.
🌿 Pathankot Emerges as a Litchi Powerhouse
According to the National Horticulture Board, Punjab contributed 12.39% to India’s total litchi production in FY 2023–24, with 71,490 metric tonnes harvested across 4,327 hectares. With ideal agro-climatic conditions and progressive farmers like Shri Prabhat Singh of Sujanpur, Pathankot, is fast becoming a hotspot for quality cultivation.
📈 India’s Agri-Export Landscape on the Rise
India’s fruits and vegetables exports grew to USD 3.87 billion in FY 2024–25, registering a 5.67% increase year-on-year. While mangoes, grapes, and oranges continue to lead, niche products like rose-scented litchis, jamun, and cherries are finding growing space on global shelves.
🤝 Empowering Farmers, Boosting Global Presence
This initiative, made possible with support from the Lullu Group and the Punjab Horticulture Department, underlines the Government of India’s strategy to empower farmers through global market access, diversify export baskets, and position India as a premium supplier of fresh produce.
This initiative, made possible with support from the Lullu Group and the Punjab Horticulture Department, underlines the Government of India’s strategy to empower farmers through global market access, diversify export baskets, and position India as a premium supplier of fresh produce.
