US Iran war Impact: Bananas, grapes, pomegranates, vegetables… 1000 containers stuck in Dubai, loss of crores to India!
- Farmers in Maharashtra suffer huge financial loss due to conflict
- Dubai’s Jebel Ali port completely closed
- Selling grapes at a loss
US Iran War Impact: Due to the conflict in the Middle East, the farmers and exporters of Maharashtra have to bear huge financial losses. Between 800 and 1000 containers carrying agricultural products are stuck at Dubai’s Jebel Ali port. This work has been stopped since February 28 when the war started. Containers cannot be exported to various countries and regions, resulting in stalled trade resulting in spoilage of goods worth millions of rupees.
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Dubai’s Jebel Ali port completely closed
Dubai’s Jebel Ali port, considered a major port in the Middle East and an important hub for the distribution of agricultural products in the Gulf region, has been brought to a complete standstill by the conflict. As a result, many shipments arriving in Dubai or originating from India are stuck at the port. Exporters are facing huge losses. Trapped containers mainly contain perishable agricultural products such as bananas, grapes, pomegranates, watermelons, leafy vegetables and onions. It is very important to arrive on time. It is also a major export from Maharashtra. Stuck containers can spoil these products, meaning exporters face huge losses. The containers have been stuck since Ramadan, when demand for these fruits, especially grapes and pomegranates, peaks in the Gulf countries. Due to this, there is a possibility that the trade will be hit hard and the trade will decrease.
Selling grapes at a loss
Containers are stuck due to war, which does not meet the demand. On the other hand, there is a traditional increase in the demand for fruits in the Gulf countries. Farmers plan their harvest according to this seasonal change. However, this year the conflict has taken a toll on exports. Around 5000 to 6000 tonnes of grapes present at the ports are likely to be affected and 10000 tonnes of export quality grapes in the fields may now be sold locally at a loss.
Further delays due to port congestion
Around 80 containers of grapes bound for Dubai are yet to be unloaded at Mumbai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT). More than 200 containers bound for export from Nashik are stuck outside the port, causing a major traffic jam. The situation is critical and exporters say the problem will continue until shipping services resume. According to Madhukar Kshirsagar, director of the Indian Grape Exporters Association, every stranded container causes huge losses of lakhs of rupees.
Farmers owe the government
Farmers organizations are demanding urgent government help. Maharashtra State Onion Growers Association President Bharat Dighole has requested the government to provide a subsidy of Rs 1500 per quintal. It has also requested to waive port charges and delay charges for stuck containers. Moreover, there has been a demand to introduce a temporary procurement scheme to help exporters till their shipments are completed.
The exporters recalled the shipment
Some exporters have already started recalling their goods. Prakash Gaikwad, a leading exporter, said that due to the long delay, he had to recall containers of bananas and onions from JNPT, as the delay was causing damage to the crop. A shipment of onions sent to Nashik Customs took four days to clear, by which time the entire consignment was already spoiled.
Widespread impact on agricultural imports and exports
The blockade has also affected imports from the Gulf countries and Iran. About 600-700 containers loaded with products like apples, kiwis and dates are stuck at Iranian ports. According to fruit trader Suyog Zade, the cost of these containers is significant, with a kiwi container costing Rs 30-32 lakh and a date container costing Rs 45 lakh.
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