Emerges as largest exporter of gherkins in world
India has become the largest exporter of pickling cucumber, which is globally known by the name of gherkins or cornichons. During the financial year of 2021 (April-October), the country exported 1,23,846 MT of cucumber and gherkins worth $114 million.
As per the directions of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, APEDA undertook a series of initiatives in infrastructure development, product promotion in the global market and adherence to food safety management systems in processing units.
In India, the cultivation, processing and export business of gherkins began in the year of 1990s with a modest beginning in Karnataka and later extended to the neighbouring states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. On 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.
Nearly 15 per cent production of the world’s gherkin requirement is grown in India. Currently, it is exported to more than 20 countries, with major destinations being North America, European countries and Oceanic countries such as the US, France, Germany, Australia, Spain, South Korea, Canada, Japan, Belgium, Russia, China, Sri Lanka and Israel.
Apart from its export potential, the gherkin industry plays a key role in the creation of rural employment. In India, the cultivation of gherkins is carried out under contract farming by around 90,000 small and marginal farmers with an annual production area of 65,000 acres. There are 51 major companies in India, which produces and exports gherkins in drums and ready-to-eat consumer packs. All gherkin manufacturing and exporting companies are either ISO, BRC, IFS, FSSC 22000 certified and HACCP certified or possess all the certifications. Many companies have adopted social audits. Ensuring all the statutory benefits to its employees.
APEDA has played a significant role in the promotion of export of processed vegetables and it has been providing financial assistance for the development of infrastructure and enhancing the quality of processed gherkins, products promotion in the international market and implementation of food safety management systems in the processing units.
