The recent news revealed that India has taken the lead as the world’s largest exporter of gherkins. The country exported cucumber and gherkins to the tune of 1,23,846 metric tonnes, totaling USD 114 million from April to October in the fiscal year of 2020-21. Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has played a significant role in this development by spearheading initiatives focused on infrastructure enhancement and quality augmentation for processed gherkins.
Understanding Gherkins and their Production in India
Gherkin is a term applied to a specific type of savory pickled cucumber. Despite belonging to the same species as commercial cucumbers, known scientifically as Cucumis sativus, they fall into different cultivar groups. The production of these gherkins in India started in the early 1990s in Karnataka, a southern state of the country, and subsequently spread to neighboring areas like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
The ideal soil conditions and desirable temperatures, ranging between 15 to 35 degrees Centigrade, make these regions optimal for gherkin cultivation. This successful growth has led India to produce approximately 15% of the global requirement for gherkins.
Global Impact of Indian Gherkins
Exports of Indian gherkins are now widespread, reaching over 20 countries. The major export destinations include North America, European nations, and Oceanic countries such as the USA, France, Germany, Australia, Spain, South Korea, Canada, Japan, Belgium, Russia, China, Sri Lanka, and Israel.
Economic Benefits and Significance
The gherkin cultivation industry in India has provided a viable source of livelihood for small and marginal farmers. Currently, more than 1,00,000 such farmers are actively engaged in the production of gherkins. The industry has showcased itself as a successful model of contract farming, which allows for stringent quality control over the produce in line with international market standards.
Contract farming refers to an agreement between farmers and processing or marketing firms for the production and supply of agricultural products under forward agreements, often at predetermined prices. This method has resulted in Indian gherkins, valued at over 700 crore, being highly sought after each year due to the Quality Assurance given by the manufacturers.
Role in Rural Employment Creation
In addition to its export potential, the gherkin industry contributes significantly to rural employment creation.
About APEDA
APEDA is an authority established under an act of Parliament and is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The authority is mandated to promote exports and foster the development of scheduled products such as fruits, vegetables, meat products, dairy products, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, among others. APEDA also monitors the import of sugar.