The export of pomegranates is booming in India, says Sumit Bhujbal, Business Development Manager of Indian fresh produce exporter Shubham Enterprises: "The famous Bhagwa variety of Indian pomegranate is gaining demand globally. The United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, Nepal, Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia are the top markets for our pomegranates. In the fiscal year 2023-24, India exported approximately 64,894 tons of pomegranates."
Despite being for another product, the export ban on onions also had an effect on the pomegranate prices, Bhujbal explains. "In the last few years, we have seen prices soar, due to an increase in export demand. Where maximum prices go up to 200rupee/kg, with a minimum of 80rupee/kg at the farm level. These are rates of Maharashtra pomegranate farms. This fiscal year especially, when the onion ban was imposed, we have seen generous amounts of price hikes in other exporting fresh produce, which is also one of the reasons for this year's pomegranate price hike."
According to Bhujbal, other states in India jump in when prices of the pomegranages from Maharashtra increase: "While Maharashtra is the largest cultivator throughout the year still, other states such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Karnataka support the demand when prices are high in Maharashtra. Usually, from December to April, when Maharashtra pomegranates are expensive, other states pomegranates are in demand."
"We have been exporting pomegranates for the past 15 years now and we have cold store facilities in Mumbai, Maharashtra and Bhuj, Gujarat to keep up with the demand and supply. Middle Eastern countries are our main export market, but we are also working with European and Southeast Asian markets. Ranking amongst the top 10 exporters of pomegranates by quantity, we see fruitful years ahead for Indian pomegranates globally," Bhujbal concludes.
For more information:
Sumit Bhujbal
Shubham Enterprises
Tel: +91-9821519189
Email: [email protected]
www.shubhamenterprises.in