Middle East Crisis Halts Kerala Vegetable Exports

Vegetable exports from Kerala to Gulf countries have been severely disrupted after flight cancellations linked to the ongoing Middle East tensions. The sudden halt has affected exporters, farmers, and workers who depend on the Gulf market.

Fresh produce shipments from Calicut International Airport (Karipur), which regularly supply vegetables and fruits to expatriate communities in the Gulf, have almost stopped in recent days.

Export sector faces sudden disruption

Kerala exporters usually send large quantities of vegetables and fruits to several Gulf countries through passenger flights. These shipments often include items such as curry leaves, bananas, plantain leaves and pineapples, which are widely consumed by Indian expatriates.

Industry representatives say the cancellations have significantly disrupted this supply chain. Around 70 exporters operating through Calicut airport are reportedly affected by the situation.

According to exporters, the airport typically handles about 75 tonnes of vegetables daily, with shipments rising to over 90 tonnes during peak periods such as Ramadan.

Cargo losses reported after flight cancellations

Exporters said the crisis began affecting shipments when several flights to Gulf destinations were cancelled.

Abdurahman M, managing director of Marvel Exports and general secretary of the Calicut Exporters Association, said the disruption has come at a critical time for the industry.

He explained that demand for fruits and vegetables usually increases during Ramadan. However, recent flight cancellations forced exporters to offload cargo at the airport.

“Nearly 30 tonnes of produce had to be removed from flights when services were cancelled, and much of it perished,” he said.

Gulf market important for Kerala produce

Over the years, the vegetable export trade centred around Karipur airport has grown into a significant business. Exporters estimate that the sector generates over ₹300 crore annually, largely serving expatriate families in Gulf countries.

Many Keralite households living abroad rely on these shipments for traditional vegetables that are difficult to find locally.

Exporters warn that if the disruption continues, availability of these items in Gulf markets could decline.

Limited flights and higher freight costs

Some flights to Oman are reportedly still operating. However, exporters say cargo transport is currently not viable because airlines have significantly increased freight charges.

Industry members claim that cargo rates on some routes have nearly doubled due to the reduced number of flights.

As a result, many exporters have paused shipments until the situation stabilizes.

Farmers and workers also affected

The export slowdown is also expected to impact farmers in Kerala who grow produce specifically for the Gulf market.

According to industry estimates, the sector provides direct employment to around 1,000 people and supports more than 5,000 others through related activities such as packaging, transport and supply of materials.

Exporters say prolonged disruptions could lead to financial losses for both farmers and traders if the Middle East crisis continues to affect flight operations.