SRINAGAR: Jammu Kashmir has exported its first consignment of premium Areko cherries and Scentrose plums to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking a significant step in expanding the Union Territory’s presence in high-value international fruit markets, according to media reports.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, facilitated the virtual flag-off of the export shipment comprising one metric tonne of premium stone fruits sourced from growers in Shopian and Pulwama districts.
The consignment, destined for Abu Dhabi and Dubai, is expected to open new export avenues for Kashmir’s premium horticultural produce amid rising global demand for high-quality fresh fruits, media reports said.
The virtual flag-off was led by APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev and attended by officials of APEDA, the Jammu Kashmir Horticulture Department, exporters, international buyers and other stakeholders from the horticulture sector.
According to media reports, the export initiative enabled growers participating in the supply chain to secure substantially higher returns than in domestic markets. Farmers reportedly realised nearly 60 per cent higher prices for Areko cherries and about 120 per cent higher prices for Scentrose plums through exports.
Speaking on the occasion, APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev said Jammu Kashmir has emerged as an important hub for premium horticultural produce with significant export potential. He said APEDA would continue to facilitate market access for growers through export promotion, quality improvement and international buyer outreach.
Media reports said the successful shipment is expected to encourage more growers in Shopian and Pulwama to adopt export-oriented cultivation practices while strengthening the international market presence of Jammu Kashmir’s premium stone fruits.
APEDA said it would continue supporting exports of high-quality agricultural produce through market linkage initiatives, quality assurance, buyer outreach and export facilitation measures to enhance farmers’ incomes and expand India’s fresh fruit exports.
