• Investment World
• eWorld
• Catalyst
• Mentor
• Life
• Canvas
• Praxis
• Urban Pulse
• Brand Quest

Raja Simhan T.E.

A gherkin processing unit of ITAP at Tuticorin. — Bijoy Ghosh

Tuticorin , July 22

GENERALLY not found on Indian plates, gherkins — pasteurised cucumbers — are a major dietary constituent to many in central or eastern European countries.

It is said that in the Czech Republic, if one orders for meat and vegetarian food, a slice of cow and two pickled gherkins would be served. Similarly, in France, pickled gherkins are most sought after.

And, supplying gherkins to the global market for about a decade are units located in Tuticorin and Bangalore. The demand for gherkins globally is increasing every year, says Mr S.D.K. Rajan, Managing Director, Indian Tropical Agro Products (P) Ltd, a Tuticorin-based exporter of agricultural products including gherkins.

Last year, the company exported about 10,000 tonnes of gherkins to various countries including US, France and Spain, and earned revenue of Rs 20-25 crore, he said.

Started as a trader of rice and gypsum, the ITAP today is one of the largest grower, processor and exporter of gherkins and pickled onions in India.

According to Mr Rajan, depending on the quality, the company buys gherkins from farmers at price ranging between Rs 1 and Rs 9 per kg, which it sells at about Rs 20 per kg after processing. The gherkins are grown in and around Madurai, Tenkasi and Dindigul in Tamil Nadu, he says.

Mr Rajan says that competition in the industry is increasing, and there are about 20 Indian companies, mainly in Tuticorin and Bangalore, exporting gherkins compared to one or two about five years ago.

Gherkins from the farm are processed at Tuticorin to preserve the natural taste and freshness.

They are also packed in containers and sent directly to the shops in various countries, he said.

According to Mr Rajan, the company has over 3,000 farmers in 100 villages spread across 25 fertile pockets.

This is in addition to its own 250 acres of "corporate growing system", which makes Indian Tropical Agro Products one of the largest producers of gherkins in India.

The company's cultivation processes conform to US and European Union standards and requirements on pesticides. The company has invested over Rs 1 crore on post-harvest handling system , he said.

The company's 50,000 sq.ft, built-in, processing plant in Tuticorin can handle 50-60 tonne of fresh produce per day.

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication

Stories in this Section
Livestock revolution predicted

Copyright © 2003, The Hindu Business Line. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu Business Line