AI Generated Summary
- In a significant breakthrough for India’s horticulture sector, the modest town of Pathankot has put itself on the global agricultural map with the successful export of a unique variety of rose-scented litchis.
- In international markets, the fruit is commanding premium prices — up to ₹375 per kg in Doha and Dubai, and as high as £18 for two kilograms in the UK.
- For Prabhat Singh and countless farmers like him in Pathankot, this is not just a personal triumph, but a symbol of India’s evolving agricultural ambition — rooted in tradition, yet reaching out to the world.
In a significant breakthrough for India’s horticulture sector, the modest town of Pathankot has put itself on the global agricultural map with the successful export of a unique variety of rose-scented litchis. This week, the first-ever international consignment of this aromatic fruit was dispatched from Sujanpur to Doha, Qatar, marking a new chapter in India’s export journey.
This milestone shipment — a metric tonne of premium litchis — was made possible through a strategic collaboration between the Ministry of Commerce and the Punjab government, aiming to boost national horticultural exports by leveraging Pathankot’s ideal agro-climatic conditions. An additional 600 kilograms of the fruit have also been sent to Dubai, UAE, doubling the celebratory moment for Indian exporters.
At the heart of this horticultural success story is Prabhat Singh, a progressive farmer from Sujanpur. His high-quality, rose-scented litchis have become the centerpiece of this export initiative. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the apex body responsible for promoting Indian agri-exports, procured Singh’s crop at nearly ₹175 per kilogram — a dramatic rise from last year’s ₹90.
“The surge in price reflects the growing recognition of Pathankot’s litchis, which now rank among the finest in taste and aroma across the country,” said Harpreet Singh, APEDA’s regional head for Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. “This is part of a broader mission by APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev to spotlight Punjab’s potential in horticulture.”
In international markets, the fruit is commanding premium prices — up to ₹375 per kg in Doha and Dubai, and as high as £18 for two kilograms in the UK.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal also lauded the achievement, calling it a “milestone moment” for Punjab. “India’s commerce is thriving, and the journey of Sujanpur’s litchi to Qatar is a proud first,” he said.
Punjab produced 71,490 metric tonnes of litchis in FY 2023–24, accounting for over 12% of India’s total output. With 4,327 hectares under litchi cultivation and an average yield of 16.5 tonnes per hectare, the state is fast emerging as a frontrunner in fruit exports.
India exported 639.53 metric tonnes of litchis last fiscal year, with the overall fruits and vegetables export sector registering a 5.67% growth to reach $3.87 billion in FY 2024–25 (April–March).
While mangoes, bananas, grapes, and oranges continue to lead India’s fruit export portfolio, the growing international demand for cherries, jamun, and now rose-scented litchis signals a promising shift. Experts believe this diversification, driven by innovative farmers and regional climate advantages, could open new global markets for Indian horticulture.
For Prabhat Singh and countless farmers like him in Pathankot, this is not just a personal triumph, but a symbol of India’s evolving agricultural ambition — rooted in tradition, yet reaching out to the world.
