**Summary:**
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the Department of Horticulture, Government of Punjab, facilitated the first export of rose-scented litchi from Pathankot, Punjab to Doha, Qatar on June 23, 2025. The initial consignment comprised 1 metric tonne, with an additional 0.5 metric tonnes exported to Dubai, UAE. This initiative aims to boost India's horticultural exports and provide international market access to farming communities.
Punjab's litchi production for FY 2023-24 was 71,490 metric tonnes, representing 12.39% of India's total litchi output. India's total litchi exports during the same period were 639.53 metric tonnes. The area under litchi cultivation in Punjab was 4,327 hectares with an average yield of 16,523 kg/ha. In FY 2024-25 (April-March), India's export of fruits and vegetables reached USD 3.87 billion, a 5.67% increase over the previous year. APEDA continues to play a crucial role in enabling market access for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), and agri-exporters.
Key Entities Referenced
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority APEDA: An organization under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, responsible for promoting the export of agricultural and processed food products.
Ministry of Commerce and Industry: A ministry of the Government of India.
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare: A ministry of the Government of India that includes the Department of Horticulture.
Department of Horticulture, Government of Punjab: A department of the Government of Punjab focused on horticulture.
Pathankot, Punjab: A city in the state of Punjab, India, known for litchi production.
Qatar: A country in the Middle East, specifically Doha, which is the destination for the first consignment of rosescented litchi.
Shri Prabhat Singh: A progressive farmer from Sujanpur who supplied the high-quality litchi for export.
National Horticulture Board: An organization that provided data on Punjab's litchi production.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
India Flags Off First Consignment of Rose-Scented
Litchi from Pathankot to Qatar
APEDA Facilitates Landmark Export Boosting Market
Access for Indian Horticulture
Posted On: 27 JUN 2025 11:08AM by PIB Delhi
In a significant boost to India’s horticultural exports, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export
Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, in
collaboration with the Department of Horticulture, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government
of Punjab, facilitated the flag-off of the first consignment of 1 metric tonne of rose-scented litchi from
Pathankot, Punjab to Doha, Qatar on 23rd June 2025.
In addition, 0.5 metric tonne of litchi was also exported to Dubai, UAE from Pathankot, marking a twin
export achievement and reinforcing India’s potential in global fresh fruit markets.
This milestone initiative underscores the excellence of India’s horticultural produce and highlights the
country’s growing agri-export capabilities. It offers immense opportunities for farming communities by
providing international market access for their fresh and high-value produce.
The initiative was facilitated by APEDA in association with the Department of Horticulture, Government of
Punjab, Lulu Group, and progressive farmer, Shri Prabhat Singh from Sujanpur, who supplied the high-
quality produce.
According to the National Horticulture Board, Punjab’s litchi production for FY 2023–24 stood at 71,490
metric tonnes, contributing 12.39% to India’s total litchi output. During the same period, India exported
639.53 metric tonnes of litchi. The area under cultivation was 4,327 hectares with an average yield of 16,523
kg/ha.
The flagged-off consignment, comprising a reefer pallet of premium Pathankot litchis, represents a major step
forward for the region’s growers. The success of farmers like Shri Prabhat Singh underscores the potential of
Pathankot—which benefits from favourable agro-climatic conditions—as an emerging hub for quality litchi
cultivation and exports.
Notably, during FY 2024–25 (April–March), India’s export of fruits and vegetables reached USD 3.87 billion,
registering a 5.67% growth over the previous year. While mangoes, bananas, grapes, and oranges continue to
dominate fruit exports, cherries, jamun, and litchis are now increasingly finding their place in international
markets.
These efforts reflect the Government of India’s commitment to expanding the agri-export basket, empowering
farmers, and enhancing the global competitiveness of Indian produce. With focused interventions, APEDA
continues to play a key role in enabling market access for FPOs, FPCs, and agri-exporters—solidifying
India’s position as a global leader in agricultural and processed food products.
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Abhishek Dayal/ Abhijith Narayanan/ Ishita Biswas(Release ID: 2140065)