Gerkins a vegetable, which are generally considered similar to cucumbers is not actually so, but is considered savoury pickled cucumber. Gherkins and commercial cucumbers belong to the same species (Cucumis sativus), but are from different cultivar groups. India hosts the largest number of gherkins production at its south Indian land, and has today emerged as the origin of the finest gherkin cultivation, processing and exporters to the every-growing world requirement.
According to APEDA’s estimates, India exported 180820.87 MT of Cucumber & Gherkins, worth Rs. 942.72 crores/ 141.02 USD Millions during the year 2016-17 with major destinations being USA, Belgium, Russia, France, and Spain.
There are more than 1,00,000 small and marginal farmers who are engaged in the production of gherkins. The entire gamut of activities in the cultivation practices, followed by the farmers, processing standards, etc., are adhered to by the Indian gherkin manufacturers to produce very high-quality gherkins for the world markets. This is the industry, which has showcased the true and successful model of contract farming, with which the industry is able to have good quality control over the final product as per the requirement of the international market.
Initially, processed gherkins were exported in bulk packing, and since 2001 gherkins are being exported in "Ready-to-eat Jars".
Gherkins are generally exported in these two ways :
a) Provisionally Preserved (preserved in vinegar,/acetic acid, and brine):
Gherkin exports are in bulk form in 220 liters, packed in food-grade H.D.P.E. drums (High-Density Poly Ethylene). This is later repacked by the importers into smaller, ready-to-eat consumer packs to suit their consumers' requirement.
b) Preserved in Vinegar:
These are ready-to-eat gherkins which are in smaller packs of jars and cans.
Facts and Figures :
The country has exported 1,80,820.87 MT of Cucumber & Gherkin to the world for the worth of Rs. 942.72 crores / 141.02 USD Millions during the year 2016-17.
Major Export Destinations :
According to the latest datas, In the year 2016-17 the major exporting countries has been : USA, Belgium, Russia, France and Spain.
Read in our next article how to grow gherkins.
Here: How to GROW GHERKINS
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