The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has facilitated the first export shipment of premium Areko Cherries (high-density European sweet cherries) and Scentrose Plums from Jammu & Kashmir to Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking a significant milestone for the Union Territory’s horticulture sector.
The inaugural consignment, comprising one metric tonne of premium stone fruits sourced from farmers in Shopian and Pulwama districts, was virtually flagged off by APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev. The initiative underscores the growing export potential of Jammu & Kashmir’s high-value horticultural produce and the increasing international demand for premium Indian fruits.
Congratulating the farmers and exporters, APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev said Jammu & Kashmir has emerged as an important hub for premium horticultural produce with immense export potential. He reiterated APEDA’s commitment to expanding market access for farmers through export promotion, quality enhancement and global buyer outreach, adding that the shipment will create new opportunities for growers while ensuring better price realisation.
The export initiative is expected to significantly benefit farmers by providing access to premium overseas markets. Growers associated with the export supply chain realised nearly 60 per cent higher returns for cherries and around 120 per cent higher returns for plums compared with prevailing domestic market prices, demonstrating the value generated through export-led market access.
The successful shipment is expected to encourage wider adoption of export-oriented production practices, strengthen the global presence of Jammu & Kashmir’s premium stone fruits, and create new export opportunities for growers across the region. APEDA continues to promote agricultural exports through market linkage initiatives, quality assurance support, buyer outreach programmes and export facilitation measures.