Indian Pomegranate Exports: Production, Residue Compliance, Quality and Market Constraints
Abstract
India is a major producer of pomegranate, yet only a small proportion of its production enters international markets, indicating a persistent gap between production capacity and export performance. This review synthesizes evidence on the production, fruit quality, pesticide use, residue, post-harvest, phytosanitary, and market factors that shape the exportability of Indian pomegranate. India produced about 3.16 million tonnes of pomegranate in 2022-23, while only around 2.5% was exported, despite substantial growth in export value over the past decade. The review shows that export constraints begin at the farm level, where pest and disease pressure and frequent pesticide application can affect fruit quality and compliance with residue requirements, while inadequate farm-level documentation can limit traceability. Residue studies from India demonstrate considerable variation among regions and sampling periods, with both compliant samples and samples exceeding applicable MRLs reported. Importantly, regulatory compliance with MRLs and dietary-health risk are distinct considerations and should not be interpreted interchangeably. Beyond production, inadequate pre-cooling, grading, packhouse capacity, integrated cold chains and processing infrastructure can reduce the quality achieved in the orchard, particularly for highly perishable arils. Market access is further influenced by destination-specific sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, certification, traceability, labelling, tariffs and other non-tariff measures. Exports remain concentrated in regional markets, whereas substantially higher price realizations have been reported for selected high-value destinations. The evidence indicates that increasing exports therefore requires a coordinated value-chain approach rather than greater production alone. Priority areas include export-oriented crop protection, residue-compliant production, farm-level traceability, cluster-based post-harvest infrastructure, value addition, market diversification and stronger alignment between production systems and destination-market requirements.
Keywords
Download Options
Introduction
Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is an important fruit crop of arid and semi-arid regions and has become an economically important horticultural commodity in India. The crop is valued for its nutritional properties, attractive fruit characteristics, and growing demand in domestic and international markets. India has a diverse range of pomegranate cultivars, although only a limited number are cultivated commercially. Among them, Bhagwa has emerged as an important commercial and export variety because of its attractive rind and aril colour, sweetness, good keeping quality, and high yield (Prasad et al., 2013; Saroj and Sharma, 2017). Pomegranate cultivation is concentrated mainly in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, with Maharashtra being the leading producing state. India also has an important advantage in terms of fruit availability, as pomegranate can be produced throughout the year, while several competing countries have more restricted production seasons (Kahramanoglu, 2019).
Despite this production strength, only a small proportion of Indian pomegranate reaches international markets. In TE 2022-23, India produced about 3.16 million metric tonnes of pomegranate, while only about 2.5 per cent of the production was exported (Rao et al., 2026). Indian pomegranate exports have increased substantially over the years, with export value rising from USD 15.57 million in 2010-11 to USD 69.08 million in 2023-24 (Rao et al., 2026). However, a large share of exports continues to be directed towards a limited number of markets, particularly the United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh and Nepal (Rao et al., 2026). This difference between the scale of production and the quantity entering international trade raises an important question: why has India not been able to convert its large production base into a much larger and more diversified export presence?
Conclusion
India has a strong foundation for pomegranate export through its large production base, widespread cultivation of Bhagwa, long production season and established access to overseas markets. Yet the relatively small share of production entering international trade shows that production volume alone does not determine export performance. The exportable share of the crop depends on whether fruit consistently meets market requirements for size, colour, appearance, disease freedom, residue compliance, shelf life, traceability and phytosanitary safety. The evidence reviewed in this article indicates that export constraints are interconnected. Pest and disease pressure can increase dependence on pesticides; pesticide selection and application practices influence residue profiles; residue non-compliance can restrict access to particular markets; and inadequate post-harvest handling can reduce the quality of fruit that has already met farm-level requirements. At the same time, certification, traceability, phytosanitary procedures, logistics and market-specific standards influence the cost and feasibility of reaching higher-value destinations. Improving exports therefore requires an integrated production-to-market approach rather than a single intervention. Priority areas include export-oriented crop and pest management, better control of pesticide residues, systematic residue surveillance, stronger farm-level documentation and traceability, improved packhouses and cold-chain infrastructure, expansion of value-added products such as arils, and diversification into markets with sustainable demand. Research should increasingly examine these factors together so that farm practices, food safety, post-harvest management and destination-market requirements can be considered within a common framework. The central challenge for India is not simply to produce more pomegranate, but to increase the proportion of fruit that can move efficiently and consistently from the orchard to compliant, higher-value international markets. Strengthening this connection across the entire value chain can provide a more practical basis for expanding Indian pomegranate exports.
References
[1] Ali, I., Rahman, S. Z., Qamar, A., & Khan, M. S. (2022). Survey-based study on farmers' knowledge and pattern of using insecticide on different crops in Aligarh District of Uttar Pradesh, India. International Journal of Human and Health Sciences, *6*(2), 193-199. https://doi.org/10.31344/ijihhs.v6i2.445
[2] Ambrus, Á., & Yang, Y. Z. (2016). Global harmonization of maximum residue limits for pesticides. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, *64*(1), 30-35. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf505347z
[3] Anbazhagan, P., Wilson, A., Nallasamy, V., & Ramanathan, S. (2022). Assessment on knowledge and perception regarding health risks of pesticide usage among farmers. International Journal of Public Health Science, *11*(4), 1424. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijphs.v11i4.21230
[4] APEDA. (2023). Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development. https://apeda.gov.in/
[5] Aralimarad, P., Bedar, J., Mahato, S., Hanchinal, S. G., Naik, N., Shwetha, U., Pavankumar, K., Naveenkumar, P., Gavai, A., Rat, R. S., & Patil, M. (2024). Simultaneous determination of multi-class pesticide residues in solanaceous vegetables and selected fruits using LC-MS/MS and potential impact on consumer health with measurement uncertainty. Research Square. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-5199827/v1
[6] Balikai, R. A., Kotikal, Y. K., & Mani, M. (2022). Pests and their management in pomegranate. In M. Mani (Ed.), Trends in horticultural entomology. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-0343-4_29
[7] Balikai, R. A., Kotikal, Y. K., & Prasanna, P. M. (2011). Status of pomegranate pests and their management strategies in India. Acta Horticulturae, *890*, 569-583. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2011.890.81
[8] Banerjee, K., Patil, S. B., Patil, S. H., Dasgupta, S., Savant, R., & Adsule, P. G. (2008). Single-laboratory validation and uncertainty analysis of 82 pesticides determined in pomegranate, apple, and orange by ethyl acetate extraction and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Journal of AOAC International, *91*(6), 1435-1445. https://doi.org/10.1093/JAOAC/91.6.1435
[9] Bilehal, D., Chetti, M. B., Sung, D. D., & Goroji, P. T. (2014). Reversed-phase UPLC method for the determination of monocrotophos, thiram, carbendazim, carbaryl, and imidacloprid pesticides in mango and pomegranate by QuEChERS method. Journal of Liquid Chromatography & Related Technologies, *37*(12), 1633-1643. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826076.2013.803205
[10] Chauhan, N. N., & Gupta, D. (2024). Evaluation of IPM modules against pomegranate fruit borer Deudorix epijarbas (Moore). Indian Journal of Entomology, *86*(2), 557-561. https://doi.org/10.55446/IJE.2023.815
[11] Directorate General of Foreign Trade Ministry of Commerce and Industry Government of India. (2025). Dgft.gov.in. https://www.dgft.gov.in/CP/index.jsp
[12] Doddaraju, P., Kumar, P., Gunnaiah, R., Gowda, A. A., Lokesh, V., Pujer, P., & Manjunatha, G. (2019). Reliable and early diagnosis of bacterial blight in pomegranate caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae using sensitive PCR techniques. Scientific Reports, *9*, 10097. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-46588-9
[13] Dureja, P., Singh, S. B., & Parmar, B. S. (2015). Pesticide maximum residue limit (MRL): Background, Indian scenario. Pesticide Research Journal, *27*(1), 4-22.
[14] Elango, K., & Sridharan, S. (2017). Assessment of farmer's perception on pesticides usage pattern and knowledge of pest management in pomegranate under high-density planting at major pomegranate growing districts of Tamil Nadu. Trends in Biosciences, *10*(45), 9260-9263.
[15] Ergun, M. (2012). Pomegranates. In M. Siddiq (Ed.), Tropical & subtropical fruits: Postharvest physiology, processing and packaging (1st ed., pp. 529-548). John Wiley & Sons Inc.
[16] Gaddanakeri, S., Pradeep, S., Deshmukh, S., Shivanna, B. K., Sridhara, S., Thippesha, D., & Fakrudin, B. (2023). Insecticide usage pattern and knowledge level of farmers on insecticides handling to manage Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee in brinjal across different localities. International Journal of Environment and Climate Change, *13*(8), 777-784. https://doi.org/10.9734/ijecc/2023/v13i82010
[17] Gulati, A., Ganguly, K., & Harsh Wardhan. (2022). Agricultural value chains in India. Springer Nature.
[18] Hem, L., Park, J.-H., & Shim, J.-H. (2010). Residual analysis of insecticides (lambda-cyhalothrin, lufenuron, thiamethoxam and clothianidin) in pomegranate using GC-μECD or HPLC-UVD. Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture, *29*(3), 257-265. https://doi.org/10.5338/KJEA.2010.29.3.257
[19] Kahramanoglu, I. (2019). Trends in pomegranate sector: Production, postharvest handling and marketing. International Journal of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences.
[20] Kambrekar, D. N., & Biradar, A. P. (2015a). Field efficacy of insecticides in the management of pomegranate aphid, Aphis punicae (Passerini). Acta Horticulturae, *1089*, 153-159. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2015.1089.17
[21] Kambrekar, D. N., Biradar, A. P., & Karabhantanal, S. S. (2015b). New insecticides for the management of pomegranate fruit borer, Deudorix isocrates (F.). Indian Journal of Entomology, *77*(3), 240-244. https://doi.org/10.5958/0974-8172.2015.00050.4
[22] Kolekar, V. S., Wakure, D. D., Raut, P. N., & Utture, S. C. (2011). Monitoring of pesticide residues in exportable pomegranate fruits. Acta Horticulturae, *890*, 547-555. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2011.890.77
[23] Kottadiyil, D., Mehta, T., Thasale, R., & Sivaperumal, P. (2023). Determination and dietary risk assessment of 52 pesticide residues in vegetable and fruit samples by GC-MS/MS and UHPLC-QTOF/MS from Gujarat, India. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, *115*, 104957. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfca.2022.104957
[24] Krishna, T. M., Devaki, K., Kumar, K. K., & Prasanthi, L. (2022). Dissipation kinetics and the pre-harvest residue of chlorantraniliprole in pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.) succulent pods using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detector (UHPLC-PDA). Open Journal of Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, *6*(1), 013-017. https://doi.org/10.17352/ojabc.000025
[25] Kulkarni, S. R., Kadam, J. R., & Chavan, A. P. (2007). Preliminary studies on the efficacy of Verticillium lecanii (Zimmermann) against mixed populations of mealy bugs on pomegranate. Pest Management in Horticultural Ecosystems, *13*(1).
[26] Kumar, P., LNU, D., & Singh, R. P. (2023). Farmer's attitudes on pesticide-use and pest-management practices: A case study of vegetable-cultivators in the vicinity of Lucknow, India. https://doi.org/10.52679/bi.e202312002
[27] Mohapatra, S. (2014). Residue dynamics of chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin in/on pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruits and soil. International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry, *94*, 1394-1406. https://doi.org/10.1080/03067319.2014.954564
[28] Mohapatra, S., & Lekha, S. (2016). Residue level and dissipation of carbendazim in/on pomegranate fruits and soil. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, *188*(7), 406. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-016-5404-2
[29] Parmar, K. D., Rathod, P. H., Kalasariya, R. L., Pandya, M. J., Patel, M. R., Chawla, S., & Patel, M. P. (2025). Dissipation and risk assessment of a combination product of chlorantraniliprole + abamectin and spirotetramat in pomegranate fruit and juice. Biomedical Chromatography, *39*(9), e70174. https://doi.org/10.1002/bmc.70174
[30] Pasupuleti, V. V., Majji, K. R., Bagade, P., & Kachireddy, V. N. S. R. (2022). Study on existence of pesticides in Indian grapes and their compliance for export to EU nations through advanced analytical instrumentation. Research Journal of Chemistry and Environment, *26*(10), 75-88. https://doi.org/10.25303/2610rjce075088
[31] Pienaar, L., & Boonzaaier, J. (2018). Drought policy brief: Western Cape agriculture. Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy, Western Cape Department of Agriculture.
[32] Prasad, A., Nagda, G., Syed, N., & Kumar, A. (2023). A detailed survey on awareness, knowledge and practice of pesticides used against various vegetables, fruits and cereal crops grown in and around Udaipur region of South Rajasthan, India. Bulletin of Pure and Applied Sciences—Zoology, *42*(1), 43-63. https://doi.org/10.48165/bpas.2023.42A.1.6
[33] Prasad, K. S., Mukunda, G., Mohankumar, A., & Yathiraj, K. (2013). Bhagwa a promising variety of pomegranate for dry. International Journal of Agricultural Sciences.
[34] Pszczolińska, K., & Kociołek, B. (2022). The pesticide residue analysis in commodities with high content of chlorophyll based on the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method: A review. Journal of Separation Science, *45*(1), 149-165. https://doi.org/10.1002/jssc.202100304
[35] Pujeri, U. S., Yadawe, M., Hiremath, S. C., & Pujar, A. S. (2011). Monitoring of pesticide residues in pomegranate of Bijapur District, Karnataka. Research Journal of Chemistry and Environment, *15*(2), 355-358.
[36] Rao, S., Bhargava, A., Rohtagi, A., & Gulati, A. (2026). Strategies to boost India's pomegranate exports. Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER).
[37] Saroj, & Sharma, B. D. (2017). Cultivar Bhagwa: Revolutionizing. ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture.
[38] Satpathy, G., Tyagi, Y. K., & Gupta, R. K. (2014). Development and validation of multi-residue analysis of 82 pesticides in grapes and pomegranate as per the requirements of the European Union (EU) and Codex Alimentarius using GC-MS/MS with compound-based screening. American Journal of Food Science and Technology, *2*(2), 53-61. https://doi.org/10.12691/ajfst-2-2-2
[39] Sharma, A. K., Dubey, J., Katna, S., Shandil, D., Brar, G. S., & Singh, S. (2021). Validation of analytical methods used for pesticide residue detection in fruits and vegetables. Food Analytical Methods, *14*(9), 1919-1926. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12161-021-02027-y
[40] UN Comtrade. (2024). UN Comtrade. https://comtradeplus.un.org/
[41] Vallur, J. H. V., Cherukuri, S. R., Chiranjeevi, Ch., Varma, P. K., & Rao, V. S. (2023). Knowledge, attitude and behaviour of paddy growers towards use and handling of pesticides in Krishna Western Delta area of Guntur District of Andhra Pradesh, India. Ecology, Environment & Conservation, *29*(3), 1055-1060. https://doi.org/10.53550/eec.2023.v29i03.020
[42] Zhang, X., Wang, X., Chen, J., Zhang, Z., Ding, H., Du, X.-Z., & Lu, X.-Q. (2025). Simultaneous detection of 34 pesticide and metabolite residues in vegetables and fruits using improved QuEChERS-gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Chinese Journal of Chromatography, *43*(10), 1145-1153. https://doi.org/10.3724/sp.j.1123.2025.02001.