Ferozepur, April 24 -- Punjab's border district Ferozepur has marked a milestone in its farm story, with its green chillies making their way into the markets of Dubai in what officials say is Punjab's first overseas shipment of the crop.

The district recently exported its first consignment of 15 metric tonnes of green chillies, reflecting farmers' shift from the traditional wheat-paddy pattern towards more profitable, export-oriented crops.

With around 5,000 farmers engaged across nearly 12,000 hectares, Ferozepur leads the state in chilli cultivation, accounting for the largest share of Punjab's 19,661 hectares under the crop. Statewide, production is estimated at 2,94,915 metric tonnes.

"Area under chilli cultivation has expanded fro...