Vegetable exports from Kerala to the Gulf, which has been adding a touch of home to the tables of lakhs of expatriates, came to an abrupt halt following mass flight cancellations triggered by the ongoing Middle East crisis.
Flights carrying passengers to Gulf destinations routinely transport consignments of fresh produce — from curry leaves and bananas to plantain leaves and pineapples — catering to nearly 2.3 million Keralite households across the region.
Nearly 70 exporters operating through Calicut International Airport have been hit hard. Together, they export close to 90 tonnes of native vegetables to various Gulf destinations every day during the ongoing peak season. The sudden disruption has left the sector reeling and dealt a severe blow to farmers who depend heavily on the export market.
Marvel Exports managing director Abdurahman M, who is also the general secretary of Calicut Exporters Association, said the crisis has come at the worst possible time, with Ramadan marking the peak season for fruit and vegetable exports.
Read more at The Times of India
