Illustrative Photo

India has started to plant dragon fruits in a number of states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Gujarat, Andaman - Nicobar Islands and some states in India’s Northeast region with an area of ​​about 3,000 - 4,000 ha and output of 12,000 tons per year.Deputy Director of the Asia and Africa Market Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade), Do Quoc Hung, said India is a key market of South Asia with nearly 1.4 billion people. It is also the home of many vegetarians so the demand for fruit is high. Indians appreciate dragon fruit for its health benefits, aromatic flavor, and nutrients.

Trade Counsellor of Vietnam to India Mr. Bui Trung Thuong said this output is low and it is important as the quality of Indian dragon fruit is not as delicious and sweet as Vietnamese. This is an opportunity for Vietnam to expand this fruit to the market.

According to data from the Ministry of Industry and Trade of India, Vietnam's dragon fruit exports surged from 27% in the financial year 2014 - 2015 to 52% in 2018 - 2019.

Counsellor of Vietnam to India Mr. Do Thanh Hai said although dragon fruit exports to India have continuously risen in recent years, it is not commensurate with the potential and demand of India.

"Vietnamese businesses have accompanied state agencies to carry out large-scale advertising programs in India such as hiring celebrities and promoting the benefits of dragon fruit for human health," Hai said.

To accelerate dragon fruit exports to this market, Mr. Bui Trung Thuong said agencies and businesses need to pay proper attention to the Indian market, thereby investing time, labor and finance for the trade promotion of Vietnamese dragon fruit in the Indian market.

“In fact, dragon fruit is mainly served in hotels and parties, not in restaurants and especially in supermarkets, fruit stalls and street vendors. Many Indians do not know how to eat and process this fruit," said Mr. Thuong.

Some agricultural experts said it is necessary to set specific targets for the Indian market; strengthen the coordination between the Embassy, ​​the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in exchanging information about the market, seasons, prices, businesses, growing area code, and packing establishment code.

“Associations and businesses also need to improve the spirit of solidarity and cooperation, set a reasonable price in the Indian market; ensure credibility and product quality; ensure terms of quality, goods inspection and payment terms in contracts and do not accept post-paid payment," Mr. Thuong said.