The North News
Chandigarh, June 28
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann congratulated litchi farmers in the state after the fruit made its debut in international markets, landing on store shelves in Doha, Qatar. In a statement, the Chief Minister hailed the development as a significant milestone for the state’s agricultural sector, crediting government efforts to promote Punjab’s produce globally. “For the first time, sweet and flavourful litchis from Pathankot have been exported to Doha,” Mann said, calling it a new chapter of recognition for Punjab’s hardworking farmers.
The Chief Minister added that this was just the beginning, with plans to introduce more of Punjab’s agricultural products to markets across India and abroad. He said the export marked not just a trade achievement, but a recognition of the “premium quality” and resilience of local farmers. Mann also underscored the state’s ongoing push for crop diversification, urging a shift away from the traditional wheat-paddy cycle towards high-value crops like fruits and vegetables. “Punjab has immense potential for horticulture, and we will continue to expand efforts to enhance farmers’ income,” he said. The move is seen as part of wider government initiatives to improve market access for farmers and increase profitability through export-oriented strategies.
