APEDA ships fruit from two Himalayan states to the UAE, opening new export routes and better prices for hill farmers
Fruit from two of India’s hill states is now on its way to the Gulf. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the export of 1.3 metric tonnes of pomegranates from Kullu in Himachal Pradesh and a 1.5-metric-tonne trial shipment of kiwi from Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh to Dubai.
The two shipments mark a push to take India’s high-altitude horticultural produce beyond familiar markets and into premium international shelves.
Kullu Pomegranates: Farmers Earn 50% More
The Kullu consignment comprised 650 boxes of Sinduri variety pomegranates, each weighing 2 kg. It was exported by Uttar Pradesh-based Amama Exports.
The fruit was sourced from local farmers and the Bhuntar Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO), which works with around 600 growers. The Kullu district horticulture administration supported procurement and coordination.
The biggest gain went to the farmers. Those who took part received prices 50% higher than the prevailing domestic market benchmark.
APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev flagged off the shipment in the presence of officials from the Horticulture Department, exporters, FPO members and farmers.
The export is part of a wider effort to build global market links for Himachal Pradesh’s fruit beyond its well-established apple trade.
Arunachal Kiwi Lands on Dubai Shelves
Meanwhile, the kiwi shipment from Ziro has already reached Dubai and is on display at LuLu Hypermarket in Al Qusais.
The trial export was undertaken under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) as part of the branding initiative “Kiwi: USP of Arunachal Pradesh.” It was carried out with the state’s Department of Trade & Commerce and Department of Horticulture.
Arunachal Pradesh’s high-altitude climate and natural environment give its kiwis a distinctive quality and flavour. The main varieties grown are Hayward, Monty, Allison and Bruno, with Hayward seeing good demand abroad.
Testing What Shoppers Want
With the fruit now on retail shelves, the initiative has moved from flag-off to real-world market testing. Consumer tasting and feedback will help judge demand and reveal what overseas buyers expect in terms of quality, packaging and presentation.
These insights are expected to help growers, cooperatives and exporters prepare for future commercial shipments and create new sales channels for local farmers.
The flag-off was attended by Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Minister Gabriel D. Wangsu, Ziro MLA Hage Appa, MLA-cum-Advisor Dr. Mohesh Chai, senior state officials, and representatives of the Kiwi Growers Cooperative Society and Fair Exports India Pvt. Ltd.
UAE: A Key Market
The UAE remains a major destination for Indian farm exports. In FY 2025-26, India shipped APEDA-scheduled agricultural and processed food products worth around $2.59 billion, totalling about 3.81 million tonnes, to the country.
Why It Matters
For hill farmers, often limited by small landholdings and distance from big markets, direct export links can mean significantly higher incomes. The Kullu shipment has already shown that, with farmers earning half as much again as local rates.
If the kiwi trial wins over Dubai shoppers, Himalayan fruit could soon become a regular sight in Gulf supermarkets.