Pumpkins, squash and gourds market in India

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh or chilled pumpkins, squash and gourds in India showed steady growth from 2018 to 2023, with domestic production rising from 5 844 thousand tonnes to 7 971 thousand tonnes. This increase in output directly expanded the market volume, which grew from 5 839 thousand tonnes to 7 957 thousand tonnes over the same period, as imports remained negligible and exports were minimal.

Underlying industry developments by 2024 included significant expansion and modernization of cold chain infrastructure across India, with investments in automated storage and advanced refrigeration technologies. This improvement in preservation and distribution networks for perishable goods supported the market for vegetables like pumpkins and gourds. Concurrently, a shift in consumer preference toward fresh, natural, and seasonal produce, driven by rising health awareness, bolstered demand for these nutritious vegetables.

Production pumpkins, squash and gourds in India

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

India was one of the world's top producers of pumpkins, squash, and gourds from 2017 to 2020, ranking second globally by production volume during this period.

Top producers of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

World map of production of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

India's production of pumpkins, squash, and gourds grew for the third year in a row in 2020. The country produced 7 311 thousand tonnes that year, marking a modest 4.2% increase compared to 2019. Over the entire 2017–2020 period, production rose by 33.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 10.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in India in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports pumpkins, squash and gourds from India

Exports in kind, t

The export market for these products experienced volatility from 2017 to 2020. In 2019, shipments hit their lowest point at 3 500 tonnes, but they rebounded sharply in 2020 to 6 960 tonnes—a 98.8% jump from the previous year. This swing created a two-fold difference between the peak in 2020 and the trough in 2019. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 30.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from India in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates, Maldives, and Qatar were consistently the top destinations for India's exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds by volume. The UAE accounted for 52.6% of exports, Maldives for 15.2%, and Qatar for 6.7%, together making up 74.6% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from India in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values also showed considerable volatility during these years. In 2019, the value reached its lowest level at 1 439 thousand US dollars, but it surged to 5 466 thousand US dollars in 2020—a dramatic 279.9% increase from the year before. This resulted in a 3.8-fold difference between the high in 2020 and the low in 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, at 13.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from India in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In terms of value, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Qatar led as the primary export destinations from 2017 to 2020. The UAE contributed 42.3% of export value, the UK 19.5%, and Qatar 8.6%, collectively representing 70.5% of total export earnings.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from India in value, 2017-2020

Imports pumpkins, squash and gourds to India

From 2017 to 2020, India did not import any pumpkins, squash, or gourds, indicating a complete absence of imports in this market segment.