New Delhi, June 19 (AHN) Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Friday welcomed the inaugural export of Uttarakhand’s famous litchis to Italy and said that this will open new gateways for the entry of Indian agricultural products into European markets.

Piyush Goyal’s praise for the Devbhoomi litchis came on the back of the first consignment, comprising 1 metric tonne of fresh litchis, being exported to Italy.

Taking to X, the Union Minister wrote, “Devbhoomi’s Litchi, now Italy's favorite. With the support of APEDA, Uttarakhand's famous Dehradun litchi has been exported to Italy for the first time.”

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian agricultural products are gaining global recognition and farmers are getting new opportunities for better income,” he added.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, facilitated the first export consignment of fresh Uttarakhand litchi from Dehradun to Italy on 18 June. This marks the foray of Uttarakhand's premium litchi into the European markets, reflecting international acceptance of India's high-quality fresh fruits.

The shipment will highlight Uttarakhand's horticulture potential, strengthen India's position in international fresh-fruit markets, and promote premium produce from the Himalayan region.

Dehradun litchi is widely recognised for its distinctive sweetness, attractive red colour, delicate aroma and superior pulp quality. The region is known for renowned varieties such as Rose Scented, Calcuttia and Bedana.

The export initiative has also resulted in improved returns for growers, as farmers are now receiving prices about 25 per cent higher than the prevailing domestic market rates. The development is expected to encourage wider adoption of quality production practices and greater participation in export-oriented horticulture.

The shipment was facilitated through coordinated efforts of APEDA, exporters, farmer-producer organisations (FPOs), logistics partners and other stakeholders.

The export to Italy represents a significant step towards diversifying export destinations for India's fresh fruits and reinforces the country's reputation as a reliable supplier of premium horticultural products.