Punjab flags off first 15 MT Green Chilli export to Dubai, boost for farmers’ income
Harish Monga
Ferozepur, April 21, 2026: In a significant step towards promoting crop diversification and enhancing farmers’ income, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan flagged off the first consignment of 15 MTs of green chillies from village Hakumat Singh Wala in Ferozepur to Dubai.
The export has been facilitated with the support of Saragarhi Farmers Producer Company Limited, marking the first time that fresh green chillies from Punjab are being directly shipped to international markets.
Speaking on the occasion, Sandhwan expressed happiness over the development, stating that the export of Punjab-grown chillies to overseas markets will significantly benefit chilli growers and encourage other farmers to adopt chilli cultivation. He added that such initiatives would provide a major boost to farmers’ income and strengthen the state’s agricultural economy.
He informed that chilli cultivation in Punjab spans approximately 19,661 hectares, producing around 294,915 metric tonnes annually. Major chilli-producing districts include Ferozepur, Patiala, Malerkotla, Sangrur, Jalandhar, Tarn Taran, Amritsar, SBS Nagar, and Hoshiarpur. Notably, Ferozepur leads with over 2,747 hectares under chilli cultivation, providing direct employment to more than 20,000 people and indirect livelihood to over 45,000 individuals.
The Speaker appreciated the efforts of the district administration and the Horticulture Department, Punjab, for promoting chilli farming as a profitable venture. He also acknowledged the support extended through the Sun Foundation initiative led by Rajya Sabha MP Bikramjit Singh Sahney, assuring continued financial assistance to strengthen the Farmer Producer Company and encourage more progressive farmers to join.
Sandhwan further emphasized that the Punjab government is actively promoting crop diversification, encouraging farmers to shift from the traditional wheat-paddy cycle to high-value crops like vegetables.
On the occasion, progressive farmers associated with the company were also honoured for their contribution.
Among those present were PAU Ludhiana Vice-Chancellor Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, MLAs Fauja Singh Sarari and Ranbir Singh Bhullar, CEO Sun Foundation Gurbir Singh, and several officials and progressive farmers.