A shipment of Sinduri pomegranates from the Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh has arrived in Dubai, marking a significant step in India’s efforts to promote regional agricultural produce in international markets. The consignment, weighing 1.3 metric tonnes, was announced by India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, who emphasized the potential benefits for local farmers and the broader agricultural export sector.

Facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the shipment highlights the growing opportunities for producers in Himachal Pradesh to connect with global buyers. Sinduri pomegranates, known for their bright red color and sweet, juicy seeds, are less commonly associated with Kullu, a district traditionally recognized for its mountainous terrain, apple orchards, and tourism.

Minister Goyal noted that this initiative aims to enhance farmers’ incomes by opening new markets and expanding the reach of India’s diverse agricultural products. “The sweetness of Kullu’s Sinduri pomegranate reaches Dubai,” he said in a social media statement, underscoring the government’s focus on supporting regional specialties.

This latest export follows another recent shipment coordinated by APEDA in which 24 metric tonnes of frozen food products from Sonipat, Haryana, were sent to Canada. That consignment included green peas, mixed vegetables, peas and carrots, sweet corn, and samosas. The effort was driven by Farmer Producer Organisations and supported through APEDA’s financial assistance programs designed to bolster export capacity.

In addition to facilitating shipments, APEDA has been actively organizing outreach programs across India to assist farmers, exporters, and small businesses in navigating global markets. A recent state-level workshop held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, attracted more than 200 participants, including government representatives, export promotion councils, and industry stakeholders.

By fostering such initiatives and encouraging diversified agricultural exports, India seeks to strengthen its position in international food markets while providing new income streams for its farming communities.