Chickpeas and red kidney beans in brine unveiled to expand Punjab’s global agri-food exports

Punjab, 18 October (H.S.) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday launched two new products, canned chickpeas in brine (Chitte Chhole) and red kidney beans in brine (Rajmah), under MARKFED’s flagship SOHNA brand at SIAL Paris 2026, one of the world’s leading international food and beverage exhibitions.

Leading a high-level delegation, the Chief Minister visited the India Pavilion and inaugurated MARKFED’s exhibition stall, showcasing Punjab’s agricultural heritage, food-processing capabilities and potential to emerge as a global supplier of quality, value-added food products.

Mann said the initiative would help take Punjab’s traditional food products to international markets, create new business opportunities and improve farmers’ income. He emphasised that the state was focusing on value addition, modern food processing, quality packaging and branding to strengthen exports and generate employment.

“Punjab has always been the food basket of India, and our vision is to make it a globally recognised hub for quality food products, value-added agriculture and modern manufacturing,” the Chief Minister said, adding that Punjab’s farmers, entrepreneurs and industries had significant potential to compete in international markets.

The two newly launched products expand MARKFED’s ready-to-use canned food portfolio and complement its existing range of Punjabi dishes marketed under the SOHNA brand. These include Sarson Ka Saag, Dal Makhani, Rajmah, Kadhi Pakora and Amritsari Chana. The brand also offers mustard oil, traditional pickles, murabbas, amla juice, aloe vera juice and other value-added products.

The products are being showcased alongside those of Milkfed, which markets its products under the Verka brand, and Punjab Agro under the collective banner of Punjab Mart. The initiative aims to improve market access, encourage crop diversification and strengthen the state’s food-processing sector.

According to MARKFED, the organisation has a turnover exceeding ₹21,248 crore and serves the interests of approximately two million farmers in Punjab. It exports products to more than 20 countries, including markets in the Middle East, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

MARKFED has an annual processing capacity of 2,700 metric tonnes for canned Sarson Ka Saag and other ready-to-eat products, besides 3,000 metric tonnes for honey. The organisation also aims to explore private-label manufacturing opportunities for international buyers.

During the exhibition, the Punjab delegation held business interactions with French and international food companies, exploring new markets, distribution networks and long-term trade partnerships. Discussions also covered food-processing technology, packaging, cold-chain infrastructure and logistics to strengthen Punjab’s export potential.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH