India has expanded its fresh fruit export footprint in the UAE with consignments of pomegranates from Himachal Pradesh and kiwi from Arunachal Pradesh reaching Dubai, opening new international market opportunities for farmers with support from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
According to a Commerce Ministry statement issued on Tuesday, APEDA facilitated the export of 1.3 metric tonnes (MT) of Sinduri variety pomegranates from Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh and a trial shipment of 1.5 MT of kiwi from Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh to Dubai.
The pomegranate consignment, comprising 650 boxes of 2 kg each, was exported by Uttar Pradesh-based Amama Exports. The initiative brought together local growers, the Bhuntar Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) and an exporter to establish direct market linkages for Himachal Pradesh’s horticultural produce.
The fruits were procured directly from local farmers and the Bhuntar FPO, which represents approximately 600 farmers. The Kullu district horticulture administration supported the initiative through procurement facilitation and coordination.
The export initiative enabled participating farmers to achieve 50 per cent higher price realisation compared with the prevailing domestic market benchmark, highlighting the benefits of direct procurement and collective participation through FPOs in accessing international markets.
Sinduri is among the pomegranate varieties cultivated in Himachal Pradesh, alongside Bhagwa and Kandhari. Known for its attractive red skin, juicy arils and sweet-tart flavour, the variety has potential in international fresh fruit markets.
Meanwhile, the 1.5 MT trial consignment of kiwi from Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh successfully reached Dubai and was showcased at LuLu Hypermarket in Al Qusais. The shipment marks an important step towards evaluating the fruit’s acceptance and commercial potential in overseas markets.
The initiative, undertaken under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), aims to promote Arunachal Pradesh’s kiwi sector through the branding campaign, “Kiwi: USP of Arunachal Pradesh”. Implemented in collaboration with the state government, the programme seeks to introduce the region’s produce to international consumers, assess market response and establish stronger export linkages for local growers.
Arunachal Pradesh’s high-altitude climate and natural growing conditions are considered favourable for kiwi cultivation, producing fruit with distinctive quality and flavour. The region cultivates varieties including Hayward, Monty, Allison and Bruno, with Hayward witnessing encouraging demand in international markets.
The trial shipment is expected to help assess consumer preferences, identify market requirements and develop additional overseas sales channels. It could also pave the way for larger shipments, providing local kiwi growers with improved market access and better price realisation.
The two initiatives underscore India’s efforts to diversify its agricultural export basket, connect farmers in emerging horticultural regions with global markets and strengthen export opportunities through institutional support, collective procurement and international market development.