“India emerges as largest exporters of cucumber and gherkins in the world”

What is the news? 

India has emerged as the largest exporter of gherkins in the world.  

What are gherkins? 

Pickling cucumber is globally referred as gherkins or cornichons. 

Gherkins are exported under two categories — cucumbers and gherkins, which are prepared and preserved by vinegar or acetic acid and cucumbers and gherkins, which are provisionally preserved. 

How was this achieved? 

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) undertook a series of initiatives in infrastructure development, product promotion in the global market and adherence to food safety management system in processing units.  

It also provided financial assistance for development of infrastructure and enhancing quality of processed gherkins, promotion of products in the international market and implementation of food safety management systems in the processing units.  

Where are Gherkins grown in India? 

Gherkin cultivation, processing and exports started in India in Karnataka and later extended to the neighbouring states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.  

Nearly 15% production of the world’s gherkin requirement is grown in India. 

Gherkin industry plays a key role in the creation of rural employment. 

Source- This post is based on the article “India emerges as largest exporters of cucumber and gherkins in the world” published in PIB on 23rd Jan 2022.