A patient, who according to doctors is suffering from Nipah infection. Photo Courtesy: CK Thanseer
Saudi Arabia has suspended imports of fruits and vegetables from Kerala and West Bengal following concerns over Nipah virus, raising concerns among exporters and farming communities.
In a letter dated February 6, the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia requested Indian authorities to stop the export of agricultural produce from the affected states until the pandemic situation stabilizes. It also called for strict phytosanitary controls on consignments originating from other Indian states and entering the state.
The communication states that all export consignments must undergo rigorous visual inspection to check for signs of animal activity, such as bite marks or droppings, and to ensure that the product is clearly intact.
This spread panic among ship buyers
Exporters from Kerala have expressed concern over the move and revealed that no fresh cases of Nipah have been reported in the state in recent times. The Kerala Exporters Forum said the restrictions have caused panic, especially among exporters who use Calicut International Airport as a major hub for shipments to West Asian markets.
Munshid Ali, general secretary of the forum, said business Line The sudden restrictions have led to order cancellations, financial losses and supply chain disruptions, which have hit small and medium exporters hard.
MP MK Raghavan has raised the issue with the Union Ministry of External Affairs and said that the public health situation in Kerala is completely under control. He said the continuation of trade restrictions despite the absence of an ongoing public health emergency is creating undue fears about the safety of agricultural produce in the state.
He said a large number of exporters and farmers are heavily dependent on the Saudi market for agricultural and allied products, and the sudden disruption has created uncertainty in the value chain.
About 3,500 tonnes of fruits and vegetables are brought in by air from four airports in Kerala, Munshid Ali said, warning that the current restrictions could also impact shipments to other Gulf destinations.
Published on February 23, 2026
