Saudi Arabia has imposed restrictions on imports of agricultural products from Kerala and West Bengal, citing concerns related to the Nipah virus, raising alarm among exporters and farmers.
The decision, communicated earlier this month through official channels including the Saudi diplomatic mission in India, affects shipments of fruits, vegetables, and other farm produce destined for Gulf markets.
The move comes despite the absence of any fresh Nipah cases in Kerala in recent months, prompting questions from stakeholders in the agricultural and export sectors.
Exporters say the curbs have disrupted consignments routed through Calicut International Airport, a key hub for perishable cargo to West Asia.
Kozhikode MP M. K. Raghavan has sought urgent intervention from the Centre, writing to union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Kerala Health Minister Veena George. He has urged diplomatic engagement with Saudi authorities and the sharing of updated health data to clarify that there is no active Nipah outbreak in the state.
Exporters and farmers fear that prolonged restrictions could result in significant financial losses and affect livelihoods dependent on Gulf-bound agricultural trade. Authorities are expected to take up the matter through diplomatic and health channels to seek an early resolution.