Chandigarh: Chhole and rajmah from Punjab are getting a global pitch, with chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann launching two canned products under Markfed’s Sohna brand at SIAL Paris 2026 on Sunday, as the state looks to take its traditional foods to international markets.The new products — canned chickpeas in brine (Chitte Chhole) and red kidney beans in brine (Rajmah) — were launched at Markfed’s stall at the India Pavilion. Mann is leading a high-level Punjab delegation to the international food and beverage exhibition.In a post on X, Mann said the launches were a matter of pride for Punjab’s farmers and cooperative institutions. He said the aim was to take the state’s quality products to global markets, raise farmers’ incomes and build an international identity for Punjabi produce. “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,” Mann said.The launches expand Markfed’s ready-to-use canned food range, which includes ready-to-eat Sarson Ka Saag, Dal Makhani, Rajmah, Kari Pakora and Amritsari Chana, besides mustard oil, pickles and murabbas, an official said.Markfed, with a turnover of more than Rs 21,248 crore and around two million farmers associated with it, exports products to over 20 countries, including markets in the Middle East, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Its participation at SIAL Paris is aimed at connecting with new buyers and distributors and exploring private-label manufacturing opportunities for overseas companies.The products are being showcased under the Punjab Mart umbrella alongside those of Milkfed, which markets its products under the Verka brand, and Punjab Agro. Mann said the govt was focusing on food processing, modern packaging, branding and export links to move beyond conventional agricultural production.The delegation also held meetings with French and international food companies, facilitated by the Embassy of India in France, to explore partnerships in processing technology, packaging, logistics and distribution. The state govt said the initiative aimed to diversify markets for Punjab’s agricultural produce, strengthen food processing, boost exports and generate employment.
