India’s Pomegranates and Kiwi Reach Dubai Markets, Opening New Export Opportunities for Farmers

November 3, 2026

New Delhi: India’s pomegranates and kiwi fruit have entered the Dubai market, opening new international opportunities for farmers in Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh. The exports have been facilitated by the Centre’s Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

According to a Commerce Ministry statement issued on Tuesday, APEDA facilitated the export of 1.3 metric tonnes (MT) of Sinduri variety pomegranates from Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh. It also supported a trial export of 1.5 MT of kiwi from Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Kullu Pomegranate Farmers Get 50% Higher Price Realisation

The pomegranate consignment comprised 650 boxes, each weighing 2 kg, and was exported by Uttar Pradesh-based Amama Exports.

The initiative brought local growers and a Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) together with an exporter, creating an opportunity for Himachal Pradesh’s horticultural produce to enter international markets.

The fruits were sourced directly from local farmers and the Bhuntar FPO, which is associated with around 600 farmers. The Kullu district horticulture administration supported the initiative by facilitating procurement and coordination, the statement said.

The direct procurement model and collective participation through FPOs helped strengthen market connections for farmers. Participating growers received 50 per cent higher price realisation compared with the prevailing domestic market benchmark.

Sinduri is among the pomegranate varieties grown in Himachal Pradesh, alongside Bhagwa and Kandhari. Known for its attractive red skin, juicy arils and sweet-tart flavour, the variety is suitable for fresh consumption and has potential in export markets.

Arunachal Kiwi Reaches Dubai in Trial Export

Meanwhile, the 1.5 MT trial consignment of kiwi from Arunachal Pradesh successfully reached Dubai and was showcased at LuLu Hypermarket in Al Qusais.

The initiative, undertaken under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), aims to promote the state’s kiwi sector under the branding initiative “Kiwi: USP of Arunachal Pradesh”.

Implemented in collaboration with the state government, the initiative seeks to introduce Arunachal Pradesh’s kiwis to international markets, assess consumer response and build stronger market connections to expand export opportunities for local growers.

The state’s high-altitude growing conditions and natural environment support the cultivation of kiwi with distinctive fruit quality and flavour. Its produce has potential in premium domestic markets, export promotion and value-added products.

The major kiwi varieties grown in the region include Hayward, Monty, Allison and Bruno. The Hayward variety has shown good demand in international markets.

The trial export is also expected to help connect local kiwi growers with overseas buyers, create additional sales channels and improve farmer returns through future shipments. Its outcome will provide a basis for assessing market response and identifying the requirements for expanding Arunachal Pradesh kiwi’s presence in international markets.