Punjab has commenced its maiden export of state-grown litchi to England (UK) from the sub-mountainous districts of Pathankot, Gurdaspur, and Hoshiarpur. the state’s Horticulture Minister Chetan Singh Jouramajra virtually flagged off the inaugural consignment of litchi, marking a significant leap for Punjab's agricultural exports in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

Highlighting Punjab's agricultural prowess, Jouramajra on Sunday revealed that litchi cultivation spans 3,250 hectares across the State, yielding approximately 13,000 metric tons annually. He emphasized the exceptional quality of litchi from Pathankot, Gurdaspur, and Hoshiarpur, renowned for their naturally vibrant red hue and unmatched sweetness, surpassing counterparts from other regions.

“The first shipment of litchi to England signifies a new era of prosperity for our farmers,” said Jouramajra, adding, “Through strategic government initiatives, Punjab's litchi growers are poised to achieve substantial financial gains through international markets.”

Looking ahead, the Horticulture Minister affirmed plans to expand exports to include various other horticultural crops, leveraging partnerships between the Punjab government, the Horticulture Department, and APEDA.

“The produce of progressive farmer Rakesh Dadwal from Muradpur village in Pathankot district has paved the way for this milestone export to England from Amritsar,” said the Minister.

He expressed confidence that Punjab's fruits will soon garner global acclaim, projecting the state as a key player in international agricultural trade. With ambitions to showcase Punjab's agricultural diversity on a global stage, the Minister underscored the government's commitment to fostering sustainable growth and prosperity for farmers.