Key Highlights

• First step abroad: 1.3 metric tonnes of Sinduri pomegranates from Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, have reached Dubai.
• APEDA support: The export was facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority.
• Farmer income focus: Piyush Goyal called it a step towards boosting farmers’ earnings.
• More exports: APEDA also helped send 24 MT of frozen foods from Sonipat to Canada this month.
• FTA outreach: The Centre is holding state-level workshops to help exporters use free trade agreements.

Himachal Pradesh is best known for its apples, but now its pomegranates are finding buyers abroad. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday that an export consignment of Sinduri pomegranates from Kullu has reached Dubai.

“With the support of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), 1.3 metric tons of Sinduri pomegranate from Kullu has been exported to Dubai. This initiative to connect local produce with global markets is an important step toward increasing farmers’ income and taking Indian agricultural exports to new heights,” the minister said.

Why a Small Shipment Matters

At 1.3 metric tonnes, this is a modest consignment. But first exports like this often matter more than their size. They help farmers and exporters test quality standards, packaging and logistics, and build trust with overseas buyers. A successful first shipment can open the door to regular, larger orders.

For farmers in hill regions like Kullu, direct access to international markets can mean better prices than selling only in local mandis.

What Makes Sinduri Special

The Sinduri variety is valued for its deep red colour, which gives the fruit its name. Markets in the Gulf have strong demand for good-quality pomegranates, making Dubai a natural first destination.

Frozen Foods From Sonipat to Canada

Earlier this month, APEDA also facilitated the dispatch of 24 metric tonnes of frozen food products from Sonipat, Haryana, to Canada. The shipment, led by Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), included green peas, mixed vegetables, peas and carrots, sweet corn and samosas. The exporting unit was supported by APEDA’s financial assistance scheme.

Helping States Use Trade Deals

Goyal also highlighted the Centre’s push to help states make better use of free trade agreements (FTAs). A state-level workshop in Gandhinagar drew over 200 participants, including state officials, Export Promotion Councils and exporters. He praised Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel for encouraging local businesses to take part.

A similar event was held in Goa, where Goyal appreciated Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s efforts to push local businesses towards new export markets.

“More such initiatives will be organised across the country to help every state unlock its unique export potential, ensure greater utilisation of our FTAs and give fresh momentum to India’s export growth,” he said.

Why It Matters

India has signed several free trade agreements in recent years, but many small exporters, farmers and MSMEs are not yet using their benefits fully. Outreach programmes and success stories like Kullu’s pomegranates can show smaller producers that global markets are within reach.

What Comes Next

If demand in Dubai holds, Himachal’s pomegranate growers could see more regular export orders, adding a new income stream alongside the state’s famous apples.

With inputs from IANS.

Key Highlights

• First step abroad: 1.3 metric tonnes of Sinduri pomegranates from Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, have reached Dubai.
• APEDA support: The export was facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority.
• Farmer income focus: Piyush Goyal called it a step towards boosting farmers’ earnings.
• More exports: APEDA also helped send 24 MT of frozen foods from Sonipat to Canada this month.
• FTA outreach: The Centre is holding state-level workshops to help exporters use free trade agreements.

Himachal Pradesh is best known for its apples, but now its pomegranates are finding buyers abroad. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday that an export consignment of Sinduri pomegranates from Kullu has reached Dubai.

“With the support of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), 1.3 metric tons of Sinduri pomegranate from Kullu has been exported to Dubai. This initiative to connect local produce with global markets is an important step toward increasing farmers’ income and taking Indian agricultural exports to new heights,” the minister said.

Why a Small Shipment Matters

At 1.3 metric tonnes, this is a modest consignment. But first exports like this often matter more than their size. They help farmers and exporters test quality standards, packaging and logistics, and build trust with overseas buyers. A successful first shipment can open the door to regular, larger orders.

For farmers in hill regions like Kullu, direct access to international markets can mean better prices than selling only in local mandis.

What Makes Sinduri Special

The Sinduri variety is valued for its deep red colour, which gives the fruit its name. Markets in the Gulf have strong demand for good-quality pomegranates, making Dubai a natural first destination.

Frozen Foods From Sonipat to Canada

Earlier this month, APEDA also facilitated the dispatch of 24 metric tonnes of frozen food products from Sonipat, Haryana, to Canada. The shipment, led by Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), included green peas, mixed vegetables, peas and carrots, sweet corn and samosas. The exporting unit was supported by APEDA’s financial assistance scheme.

Helping States Use Trade Deals

Goyal also highlighted the Centre’s push to help states make better use of free trade agreements (FTAs). A state-level workshop in Gandhinagar drew over 200 participants, including state officials, Export Promotion Councils and exporters. He praised Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel for encouraging local businesses to take part.

A similar event was held in Goa, where Goyal appreciated Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s efforts to push local businesses towards new export markets.

“More such initiatives will be organised across the country to help every state unlock its unique export potential, ensure greater utilisation of our FTAs and give fresh momentum to India’s export growth,” he said.

Why It Matters

India has signed several free trade agreements in recent years, but many small exporters, farmers and MSMEs are not yet using their benefits fully. Outreach programmes and success stories like Kullu’s pomegranates can show smaller producers that global markets are within reach.

What Comes Next

If demand in Dubai holds, Himachal’s pomegranate growers could see more regular export orders, adding a new income stream alongside the state’s famous apples.

With inputs from IANS.