Piyush Goyal hails export of Punjab's first Litchi consignments to Oman
New Delhi, July 2
In a significant milestone for Indian agriculture, the fresh litchis of Ummat Agri Allied Cooperative Society from Hoshiarpur, Punjab, were exported to Oman for the first time. The shipment marks a new chapter for the region's fruit growers, expanding the global footprint of Indian produce into the Gulf region.
The successful trade was facilitated under the oversight of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). It leverages the strategic market access created by the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Union Minister Piyush Goyal said on X, "From Fields to Gulf Countries, Punjab's Litchi Creates New History... Through the initiative of @APEDADOC, the fresh litchis of Ummat Agri Allied Cooperative Society, Hoshiarpur, were exported to Oman for the first time."
Goyal highlighted the broader economic implications of the trade agreement for local cultivators.
He added, "Leveraging the market opportunities provided under the India-Oman CEPA, this initiative is an important step toward increasing farmers' income, accelerating agricultural exports, and strengthening the global recognition of Indian agricultural products."
Parallel to the Punjab export, Indian agricultural reach expanded further with a shipment from Northeast India.
Earlier last month, Minister Goyal also lauded the export of Assam's GI-tagged Tezpur litchi to international markets, saying the move would help secure better returns for farmers and create new opportunities for agricultural products from Northeast India.
In a post on X, Goyal said, "Assam's renowned GI-tagged Tezpur litchi is now spreading its sweetness in foreign markets. With the support of APEDA, the first export shipment of Tezpur litchi has departed for Dubai. This step will give the region's litchi global recognition, provide farmers with better prices, and create new opportunities for agricultural products from Northeast India."
The export comes amid celebrations marking the centenary of Tezpur's famed litchi cultivation that began on Sunday. The two-day Tezpur Litchi Festival 2026, organised by the Sonitpur district administration, concluded recently at the District Library in Tezpur, showcasing the century-old legacy of the GI-tagged fruit.
During the festival, one tonne of various litchi varieties was exported to Dubai, while around 600 kilograms were shipped to Singapore. Sonitpur District Commissioner Anand Kumar Das flagged off the consignments in the presence of Tezpur MLA Prithviraj Rabha, District Agriculture Officer Pradeep Kumar Talukdar, Sadar Agriculture Officer Zakir Hussain and other dignitaries.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone who moved from Punjab to Canada years ago, this makes me genuinely proud. Litchis from Hoshiarpur are a taste of home for so many NRIs. Now our fruit can be enjoyed in the Gulf too. Wish they could also figure out logistics to export to North America someday!
Finally some positive news about Indian agriculture! But I hope the benefits actually reach the small farmers in Hoshiarpur and not just big cooperatives. The middlemen often take most of the profit. Still, a step in the right direction—congrats to APEDA and the cooperative society!
Impressive to see India making strides in agri-exports. The Tezpur litchi festival sounds like a fantastic way to promote our heritage varieties. 100 years of cultivation—that's serious tradition! If we can maintain quality standards consistently, the Gulf market could become a major revenue stream. 🇮🇳📈
Arre wah! Litchi from Punjab to Oman and Tezpur litchi to Dubai—double delight! This is what 'Make in India' should look like. But I'm concerned about the perishability of litchis. Hope APEDA ensures proper cold chain logistics so the fruit reaches in good condition. Otherwise, one bad shipment can damage our reputation.
As a Punjabi living in Dubai, I can't wait to get my hands on these! Local litchis here are okay, but nothing beats the taste of Hoshiarpur litchis. This is exactly the kind of initiative that strengthens India-Gulf ties. Hope the pricing remains reasonable and not exorbitant
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