India’s First Rose-Scented Litchi Export to Qatar: Key Highlights & Exam Relevance

Why Is This Important for Exams?
Current Affairs Relevance: Frequently asked in UPSC, SSC, PSC, and banking exams.
Economic & Agricultural Growth: Reflects India’s progress in horticulture exports.
Government Schemes: Highlights the role of APEDA and Punjab Horticulture Department.
Export Data & Trends: Useful for general awareness and descriptive papers.
Logistics & Cold Chain: Important for infrastructure and trade-related questions.


Key Highlights of India’s First Rose-Scented Litchi Export
✅ Export Destinations:
1 metric tonne shipped to Doha, Qatar
0.5 metric tonnes sent to Dubai, UAE
✅ Origin & Supplier:
Pathankot, Punjab (ideal agro-climatic conditions for litchi farming)
Supplied by progressive farmer Prabhat Singh from Sujanpur
✅ Facilitators:
APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority)
Punjab Horticulture Department
✅ Logistics:
Refrigerated pallets used to maintain freshness
✅ National Production Data (2023-24):
Punjab produced 71,490 MT of litchi (12% of India’s total output)
India exported 639.53 MT of litchis globally


Significance of This Export
✔ Agricultural Diversification: Promotes high-value crops like litchi.
✔ Export Expansion: Strengthens India’s presence beyond mangoes and bananas.
✔ Farmer Empowerment: Supports progressive farmers in global markets.
✔ Government Initiatives: Reinforces APEDA’s role in boosting exports.
✔ Economic Growth: Contributes to India’s rising fruit & vegetable exports (USD 3.87 billion in FY 2024-25).


Sample Questions & Answers for Competitive Exams
Q1. Which Indian state is known for rose-scented litchi production?
Ans: Punjab (Pathankot district)
Q2. Which organization facilitated India’s first litchi export to Qatar?
Ans: APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority)
Q3. What was the total quantity of litchi exported to Qatar and UAE?
Ans: 1.5 metric tonnes (1 MT to Qatar, 0.5 MT to UAE)
Q4. How does refrigerated transportation help in litchi exports?
Ans: It maintains freshness and extends shelf life during transit.
Q5. What is the significance of this export for Indian agriculture?
Ans: It boosts high-value horticultural exports and strengthens India’s global trade presence.


How to Prepare for Entrance Exams?
Struggling with current affairs and GK preparation? At MyEntrance.in, we provide:
✔ Most predicted questions (based on latest trends)
✔ Topic-wise breakdowns for easy revision
✔ Daily current affairs updates
✔ Mock tests designed by experts
Pro Tip: Bookmark this page and check our weekly current affairs digest to stay ahead in exams like SSC, PSC, NIFT, and NID!