SRINAGAR: In a major boost to Ladakh’s horticulture sector, the first consignment of Karkitchoo apples, an indigenous variety from Kargil, has been flagged off for export to Dubai.
The one-metric tonne shipment was organised by the Rangyul Organic Producer Company Limited (ROPCL), a Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) from Kargil, with facilitation support from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and Lulu Group.
The flagging-off ceremony was held at the ROPCL cold storage unit, where Chairman of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Kargil, Mohammad Jaffar Akhone, formally launched the export.
Speaking on the occasion, Akhone underscored the potential of organic farming in enhancing the income of local farmers and encouraged growers to adopt sustainable, income-oriented agricultural practices.
Karkitchoo is an indigenous, organic apple variety native to the Kargil district in Ladakh. Grown at high altitudes, these apples are known for their refreshing mountain sweetness, crisp texture, and being naturally pest-free without the use of artificial chemicals or waxes.
