Challenges to Indian pomegranate exporters due to heavy rains

Heavy rains and extended monsoon season in India resulted in higher disease infections, smaller sizes, and the unappealing colors of pomegranates. Also, High domestic demand, good domestic prices, and high freight cost has halted pomegranate exports, especially to the EU and the Middle East. Exporters are hopeful for higher quality and bigger sized fruit harvest that could get better rates for export markets in the upcoming campaign from November/December 2021 till March 2022. Currently, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Indian markets are target markets for smaller, inconsistent quality pomegranates.