Among the array of international products at 38th India International Trade Fair (IITF), what is catching people’s eyes, are Ammanullah Ziah’s “anaar” (pomegranates) from Kandahar, Afghanistan. Some of his pomegranates weigh around 1 kg and can last up to 2 to 3 months.

“In Kandahar, pomegranate season is in, so we have brought these pomegranates here. In these three days, we have sold pomegranates weighing up to a kilogram or even more,” Ziah said. He said his pomegranates in favourable conditions can last up to three months.

The pomegranates are catching a lot of attention due to their size and colour, told an exhibitor. “People from many countries have come here with different food items including fruits. Out of them, these pomegranates have become special in so less time. We usually don’t get to see these here. They look so fresh and tasty because of their size and colour which is why they have become so popular here,” said Suraj Patil, an exhibitor from Karnataka.

Similarly, NK Sharma, a customer said, “It looks very nice. Its colour is original and this is so big that I did not mind spending Rs 150 on a single piece.”

According to Ziah, in just three days when the footfall is already less, he has managed to sell pomegranates worth more than Rs 1,20,000. But, the sale so far has been unsatisfactory as last year they managed to sell more than that. “Last year, we managed to sell around 400 cartons by the end of the Fair. This year we fear that we may restrict to less because the space is less and less people are coming this year,” he said. Afghanistan has been made partner country this year and has been given 48 stalls out of which 12 have been taken by Afghan women. Several stalls are displaying dried fruits, saffron, spices, carpets, jewellery and clothes this year. Last year, there were around 80 extravagant stalls by Afghanistan which managed to win ‘Excellence in Display’ award at 37th IITF.