Following the successful maiden export of Punjab’s litchi to England, United Kingdom Deputy High Commissioner Ms. Caroline Rowett today called upon Punjab Horticulture Minister S. Chetan Singh Jouramajra to discuss strategies for future litchi consignments and sharing and promoting agro-allied technologies.
During the high-level meeting, which was focused on expanding Punjab’s agricultural export potential and fostering international collaborations, S. Chetan Singh Jouramajra highlighted Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision of positioning Punjab’s products on the global map, citing the recent litchi shipment as a prime example of the government’s initiative to explore new markets for the state’s produce.
Potential collaborations in solar energy, artificial intelligence and drone mapping, Advancements in precision agriculture, opportunities in agribusiness ventures, exploration of carbon and water credits and development of a unified brand for Punjab’s exports was also discussed in length and width.
Rowett expressed keen interest in the litchi export program and assured the development of a roadmap for future collaborations between Punjab and the United Kingdom.
Horticulture Minister S. Chetan Singh Jouramajra informed that the next big shipment of litchi from the state will be exported to England soon.
Notably, the recent litchi export initiative, launched by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), marked a significant milestone for Punjab’s agricultural sector. The exported litchis, sourced from the sub-mountainous districts of Pathankot, Gurdaspur and Hoshiarpur, are renowned for their deep red colour and superior sweetness due to the region’s favourable climate.
It is also worth mentioning that Punjab’s litchi cultivation spans 3,250 hectares, yielding approximately 13,000 metric tons annually, positioning the state as a potential major player in the global litchi market.
The meeting was attended by Director Horticulture Mrs. Shailender Kaur and other officials.