In a major boost to India’s agricultural exports, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, flagged off the first-ever consignment of rose-scented litchis from Pathankot, Punjab, to Doha, Qatar, on June 23, 2025. This historic event marks an important milestone for India’s horticultural sector, signifying not only the quality of Indian produce but also the expanding global footprint of Indian fruits in high-value markets.

This first consignment comprised one metric tonne of rose-scented litchis bound for Qatar, while an additional half a metric tonne was exported to Dubai, UAE, further highlighting India’s growing role in premium fruit exports.

The initiative was jointly facilitated by APEDA, the Department of Horticulture, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and the Government of Punjab, in partnership with Lulu Group International and progressive farmer Mr. Prabhat Singh from Sujanpur, Pathankot, who cultivated and supplied the export-grade litchis.

A Dual Export Breakthrough

This dual export development is significant for several reasons. It reflects:

• India’s capacity to cultivate and deliver niche, high-value fruits like rose-scented litchi to premium international markets.

• Successful public-private cooperation, involving government agencies, farmers, and international retail groups.

• Increased opportunities for small and medium farmers to participate in global trade, supported by infrastructure and market linkages.

According to data from the National Horticulture Board, Punjab alone contributed 71,490 metric tonnes to India’s total litchi production in FY24, representing 12.39% of national output. These figures underscore the state’s pivotal role in litchi cultivation and its potential to become a leader in high-end fruit exports.

Empowering Farmers Through Global Trade

India’s efforts to diversify and expand its agricultural export portfolio are central to the Union Government’s long-term strategy to enhance farmer incomes and improve global competitiveness. In FY25, India’s total fruit and vegetable exports reached ₹33,085 crore (US$ 3.87 billion), a 5.67% increase over the previous fiscal year. While traditional exports like mangoes, bananas, grapes, and oranges continue to dominate, there is growing demand for cherries, jamun, and litchis, especially in Gulf countries, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

By promoting lesser-known varieties like rose-scented litchi, India aims to differentiate its produce in a competitive global market. Farmer Mr. Prabhat Singh’s success exemplifies the kind of rural entrepreneurship the government is seeking to promote through its “Vocal for Local” and export-led growth strategies.

The Role of APEDA and Strategic Collaborations

APEDA has played a pivotal role in strengthening India’s agri-export infrastructure by:

• Identifying international market opportunities and matching them with domestic supply capabilities.

• Facilitating cold chain logistics and traceability systems to maintain freshness and hygiene standards.

• Partnering with retail giants like Lulu Group, which has a massive retail footprint across the Middle East, enabling direct market access for Indian produce.

In the case of this Pathankot litchi consignment, APEDA's intervention ensured proper pre-export treatment, quality control, packaging, and timely clearance through export channels. This level of coordination was essential to ensure the perishability-sensitive litchis arrived at their destination in prime condition.

Litchi: A Fruit With Growing Global Appeal

Litchis, known for their distinct aroma, juicy texture, and medicinal benefits, are in increasing demand across Middle Eastern and Asian markets. The rose-scented variety is particularly prized for its unique fragrance and sweetness, and is predominantly cultivated in select regions like Pathankot.

The export of this variety reflects an evolving consumer trend, where flavor uniqueness and origin traceability matter more than mere volume. The global wellness trend also aligns well with litchi’s nutritional profile, rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and hydrating properties.

Policy Support and Future Outlook

The Indian Government, through APEDA, is continuing to implement initiatives under its “One District, One Product (ODOP)” scheme, Agri Export Policy, and Farm to Fork supply chain model, to enable farmers to directly benefit from global trade opportunities.

The litchi export from Pathankot fits well within this broader vision by:

• Enhancing regional horticulture potential, particularly in northern states like Punjab, Bihar, and Uttarakhand, which are leading producers of litchi.

• Encouraging the cultivation of export-compliant varieties with better shelf life, taste, and aesthetic appeal.

• Providing training, technical know-how, and certification support to ensure that Indian farmers meet international standards.

Going forward, India plans to significantly scale up litchi exports, particularly of premium varieties like Shahi and China litchis from Bihar, and rose-scented litchis from Punjab, while also exploring opportunities in Europe, Canada, Japan, and Australia.

Conclusion

The flagging off of India’s first consignment of rose-scented litchi from Pathankot to Qatar and UAE is more than just a trade milestone—it is a symbol of India’s agricultural resurgence on the global stage. It brings into focus farmer empowerment, product diversification, and targeted export strategies, which are all key to the government’s long-term vision of doubling farmer incomes and making India an agri-export powerhouse.

With the right support ecosystem and proactive engagement from farmers, export agencies, and international partners, India is well on its way to becoming a dominant force in premium fresh produce exports, one sweet litchi at a time.

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