New Delhi: India’s maiden export of the premium rose-scented litchi—known for its floral aroma and juicy sweetness—was confirmed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Friday. A one-tonne shipment from Pathankot, Punjab, reached Doha on June 23, backed by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda). Alongside this, a smaller 500-kg consignment was also sent to Dubai.

This move comes in collaboration with the Lulu Group and the Punjab horticulture department. The exported fruits were cultivated by farmer Prabhat Singh in Sujanpur and packed in refrigerated containers to maintain freshness and meet international standards.

Historically, the litchi has been associated with Bihar’s Mithila region, tracing its journey from China through Assam and Bengal over 300 years ago. However, production in Bihar has declined by 43% over the past decade, reducing its contribution to less than a quarter of the national output. States like Punjab, Jharkhand, and Odisha have emerged as new leaders in litchi cultivation.

The ministry emphasized the opportunity this brings for farming communities by granting them access to international markets.

India’s fruit and vegetable exports reached $3.87 billion in FY25, a 5.7% increase from the previous year. While mangoes and bananas continue to dominate, exports of niche fruits like cherries, jamun, and now rose-scented litchis are on the rise.