APEDA Facilitates Export of 1.3 Tonnes of Sinduri Pomegranates from Himachal Pradesh to Dubai

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has facilitated the export of 1.3 metric tonnes of Sinduri pomegranates from Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The initiative establishes an international market linkage for local horticultural growers through a Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) representing approximately 600 farmers, while demonstrating the potential for agricultural exports to improve price realisation in the Himalayan state.

The consignment comprised 650 boxes containing two kilograms of pomegranates each and was exported by Uttar Pradesh-based Amama Exports. The fruits were procured directly from local growers and the Bhuntar FPO, with the Kullu district horticulture administration supporting procurement and coordination. By connecting farmers, producer organisations and commercial exporters, the initiative provides a model for developing organised supply chains capable of meeting international market requirements.

Sinduri Pomegranates Find New International Market Opportunities

The Sinduri variety is cultivated in parts of Himachal Pradesh alongside other pomegranate varieties, including Bhagwa and Kandhari. Characterised by its attractive red skin, juicy arils and distinctive sweet-tart flavour, Sinduri is suitable for fresh consumption and has potential in markets seeking high-quality horticultural produce. The successful dispatch of the Kullu consignment to Dubai represents an opportunity to introduce the region’s pomegranates to international buyers and explore the commercial viability of expanding future shipments.

Himachal Pradesh’s horticultural economy has traditionally been associated with apple cultivation, although the state also produces a range of other temperate and subtropical fruits. Developing export channels for pomegranates and other horticultural products could help diversify marketing opportunities for growers, particularly in regions where production conditions support specialised fruit cultivation. Sustained access to overseas markets, however, will depend on consistent quality, reliable procurement arrangements, appropriate packaging and compliance with importing countries’ phytosanitary requirements.

Farmers Secure 50% Higher Price Realisation Through Export Linkage

One of the most significant outcomes of the initiative was the higher price received by participating farmers. According to APEDA, growers associated with the export achieved 50% higher price realisation compared with the prevailing domestic market benchmark, illustrating the potential financial benefits of establishing direct connections between agricultural producers and international buyers.

The involvement of the Bhuntar FPO, which is associated with approximately 600 farmers, highlights the importance of collective agricultural marketing in connecting small growers with larger commercial opportunities. Farmer Producer Organisations can support produce aggregation, coordinate procurement, facilitate quality management and enable exporters to source agricultural commodities through organised farmer networks. Such arrangements can help address marketing challenges faced by individual producers, particularly when export consignments require consistent grading, packaging and timely delivery.

The Kullu district horticulture administration played a supporting role by facilitating procurement and coordination among stakeholders. This collaboration between government agencies, growers, FPOs and private exporters demonstrates how institutional support can help regional agricultural producers participate in international supply chains without relying exclusively on conventional domestic marketing channels.

UAE Remains an Important Market for Indian Agricultural Exports

The United Arab Emirates represents an important destination for India’s agricultural and processed food exports, supported by established commercial relationships and demand for imported food products. According to figures released by APEDA, India exported APEDA-scheduled agricultural and processed food products worth approximately USD 2.59 billion to the UAE during FY 2025–26, with the total export volume reaching around 3.81 million metric tonnes.

These trade figures highlight the scale of India’s existing agricultural export relationship with the UAE and the opportunities available for producers seeking to enter international markets. For Himachal Pradesh, Dubai offers a potential destination for expanding exports of fresh horticultural produce, provided suppliers can maintain the product quality, consistency and regulatory compliance required by overseas buyers.

The export of Sinduri pomegranates also illustrates how relatively small consignments can serve as initial commercial linkages between regional farmers and international purchasers. While the 1.3-tonne shipment is modest in volume, its significance lies in establishing a procurement and export arrangement that could support additional shipments if sustained buyer demand and viable commercial conditions emerge.

APEDA Strengthens Export Linkages for Himachal Pradesh Growers

The consignment was officially flagged off by APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev in the presence of APEDA officials, representatives of the Horticulture Department, exporters, Farmer Producer Organisations and participating farmers. The programme emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts to strengthen market access for agricultural commodities produced in regions with emerging export potential.

APEDA’s involvement forms part of its broader efforts to facilitate agricultural exports by connecting farmers and producer organisations with exporters and international markets. Such initiatives are particularly relevant for horticultural regions where specialised agricultural products may command higher prices when supported by appropriate market identification, quality assurance and supply-chain arrangements.

Beyond pomegranates, Himachal Pradesh has opportunities to develop overseas markets for other horticultural products, including persimmons, stone fruits, fruit juices and ready-to-eat products. Expanding the state’s agricultural export basket beyond its established apple trade could provide additional marketing options for growers while encouraging investment in grading, packaging, processing and export-oriented infrastructure.

The export of Sinduri pomegranates from Kullu to Dubai demonstrates how coordinated procurement, institutional facilitation and direct farmer participation can create international marketing opportunities for regional agricultural produce. The 50% higher price realisation reported for participating growers provides a tangible indication of the potential benefits, although the long-term impact will depend on sustained demand, commercial viability and the ability to maintain export-quality standards. Strengthening these linkages could help Himachal Pradesh diversify its horticultural economy while enabling more farmers to participate in India’s agricultural export growth.

Source: Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, November 3, 2026, 4:42 PM.