India top exporter of cucumber, gherkins in the world

In 2020-21, India had shipped 2,23,515 metric tonnes of cucumber and gherkins with a value of USD 223 million

PRAVASISAMWAD.COM

India exported cucumber and gherkins to the tune of 1,23,846 metric tonnes with a value of USD 114 million during April-October (2020-21). The country crossed the USD 200 million mark of export of agricultural processed product, the pickling cucumber, which is globally referred as gherkins or cornichons, in the last financial year. And, in 2020-21, India had shipped 2,23,515 metric tonnes of cucumber and gherkins with a value of USD 223 million.

Gherkins are currently exported to more than 20 countries, with major destinations being North America, European countries and Oceanic countries such as USA, France, Germany, Australia, Spain, South Korea, Canada, Japan, Belgium, Russia, China, Sri Lanka and Israel.

The exports followed after the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) undertook a series of initiatives in infrastructure development, product promotion in the global market and adherence to food safety management system in processing units. All the gherkin manufacturing and exporting companies are either ISO, BRC, IFS, FSSC 22000 certified and HACCP certified or possess all the certifications. Many of the companies have adopted Social Audits ensuring that all statutory benefits are given to the employees.

Gherkin has a 90-day crop and the farmers take two crops annually. Processing plants of international standards have been established to cater to the requirement of foreign buyers

Gherkins are exported under two categories — cucumbers and gherkins, which are prepared and preserved by vinegar or acetic acid and cucumbers and gherkins, which are provisionally preserved.

Gherkin cultivation, processing and exports started in India during the early 1990s with a modest beginning in Karnataka and later extended to the neighbouring states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Nearly 15 per cent production of the world’s gherkin requirement is grown in India.

Processed gherkins are exported in bulk as industrial raw material and in jars as ready to eat. The bulk production is still occupying a high percentage of the gherkin market. In India, there are about 51 major companies producing and exporting gherkins in drums and ready-to-eat consumer packs.

On an average, a gherkin farmer produces 4 metric tonne per acre per crop and earns about Rs 80,000 with a net income of Rs 40,000. Gherkin has a 90-day crop and the farmers take two crops annually. Processing plants of international standards have been established to cater to the requirement of foreign buyers.

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