Iran-Israel conflict hits India's fruit exports to West Asia
India
The Iran-Israel conflict has thrown a wrench in India's fruit exports to West Asia.
Over 1,250 containers packed with bananas, grapes, and pomegranates, meant for Ramadan markets in Dubai and other West Asian destinations, are stranded at Mumbai's Nhava Sheva port because shipping routes have been disrupted.
Exporters worry about substantial losses if situation drags on
West Asia is a huge market for Indian farmers, especially those growing bananas in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
With air freight also hit and costs soaring by up to 70%, exporters worry about substantial losses if the situation drags on.
Some shipments are being redirected to Oman or rerouted within the UAE to keep the fruit fresh and moving, but for now, a lot of produce (and livelihoods) are stuck waiting.