June 30, 2025 | Dubai, UAE – As a fragrant leap ahead for India’s agricultural sector, a fresh export of rose scented litchi reaches Qatar and UAE on June 23, serving equal parts of diplomacy and decadence.
This aromatic delicacy was nurtured in orchards of Pathankot, Punjab by the innovative farmer of Sujanpur India.The fruit became beyond a trade milestone, when rose scented litchi reach Qatar and UAE, it established India on reinforced grounds on the global luxury fruit market. It also reflects people’s shift towards high value, premium exotic agriculture.
Part Of An Initiative By The Government
This landmark moment of India’s high-value agricultural exports was made a success by the efforts of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), operating under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, who joined hands with the Department of Horticulture, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare of Punjab.
The fragrant rose scented litchi reach Qatar and UAE was facilitated by Lulu groups and by the progressive Indian farmers of Sujanpur in Pathankot. The premium batch of the rare rose-scented litchi reach Qatar and UAE, where Doha, Qatar was traded 1 metric tonne and Dubai, UAE was sent 0.5 metric tonnes, marking a twin exports success for India.
Harpreet Singh, APEDA regional head for Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh shared that, previous year, they bought rose scented litchis for Rs 90 kg and in this one, the cost has reached Rs 175 for a kg with the crop emerging the best in taste and flavour across the country. He also noted that Punjab’s horticulture progress is a key point in APEDA’s chief Abhishek Dev’s mission.
According to the horticulture board of India, Punjab’s litchi production in 2023-24 was an outstanding 71,490 metric tonnes, adding 12.39% to India’s total litchi production. In the same year, India also produced exports of 639.53 metric tonnes.
The trade success of the rose scented litchi reach Qatar and UAE also highlighted Punjab’s impressive agricultural management. In Punjab, the area under cultivation was reported to be 4,327 hectares, with an average yield of 16,523 kg per hectare. Where in Dubai the harvest is selling for as much as 18 pounds per 2kgs, with export value going up to 375 rupees per kg.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal also made a remark on Punjab crossing a horticulture milestone, saying that India’s commerce is growing with the Sujanpur’s rose scented litchi reach Qatar and UAE market for the first time.
Context On The Rare Rose Scented Litchi
Popularly known as Shahi litchi in Bihar and by various names in different districts of India, the rose scented litchi reaches Qatar and the USA and is predominantly grown in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. It is popular for its early ripening, as it typically matures around mid-May to early-June, varying by region.
Known for its rich fragrance and high quality, the cultivar produces around 100-150 kg of fruit per tree. The fruits are similar to heart-shaped globes with a reddish rose tint and a soft, sweet pulp. Litchi’s easy adoption in various conditions and the colorful aromatic appeal make it a favorite when it was exported, and rose scented litchi reached Qatar and UAE
Punjab’s Litchi Production Is At Par With Bihar?
Bihar had remained Litchi’s top producer for India with an average of 300,000 tonnes annually, accounting for almost 48% of global exports of the fruit. However, Bihar’s litchi production has been declining year after year, while other states like Punjab are rising up to the mark gradually with their high-quality agricultural produce and successful export trade, like rose scented litchi, reaching Qatari and UAE businesses in June 2025.
Opening the Market For Native Fruits
The Indian government is taking various efforts to amplify exports of locally-grown fruits and vegetables in the global market. In 2024-25, these exports rose by 5.67 per cent year-on-year to USD 3.87 billion.
Until recently, fruits such as mangoes, bananas, grapes, and oranges have led Indian fruit exports. But with the rose scented litchi reaching Qatar and UAE, this variety is seeing an exciting expansion.
More native fruit producers such as cherries, jamun and litchis are taking the stage now. This highlights the worldwide consumers’ shift of preference for more diverse and indigenous indian harvest.
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