India moves first consignment of Rose-Scented Litchi from Pathankot to Qatar
APEDA facilitated the first consignment of Rose-Scented Litchi from Pathankot to Qatar in association with Punjab's Department of Horticulture, Lulu Group, and farmer Prabhat Singh from Sujanpur, who supplied the produce.;
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, in collaboration with the Punjab’s Department of Horticulture, 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,” reads the Ministry of Commerce & Industry release.
The initiative was facilitated by APEDA in association with the Department of Horticulture, Government of Punjab, Lulu Group, and farmer, 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,” it reads.
Notably, during FY 2024–25 (April–March), India’s export of fruits and vegetables reached $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.