The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, facilitated the virtual flag-off of the first export shipment of premium Areko Cherries (High-Density European Sweet Cherries) and Scentrose Plums from the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir to Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The export consignment comprised one metric tonne of premium stone fruits sourced from farmers in Shopian and Pulwama districts, highlighting the growing export potential of Jammu & Kashmir's high-value horticultural produce.
The virtual flag-off ceremony was led by APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev and attended by officers of APEDA, officials of the Department of Horticulture, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, exporters, international buyers, and other stakeholders from the horticulture sector. APEDA Chairman stated that Jammu & Kashmir has emerged as an important hub for premium horticultural produce with immense export potential, and APEDA remains committed to facilitating market access for farmers through export promotion initiatives, quality enhancement, and global buyer outreach.
The export initiative has demonstrated significant economic benefits for farmers, with growers associated with the export supply chain realizing nearly 60 percent higher returns for cherries and 120 percent higher returns for plums compared to prevailing domestic market prices. This substantial value addition through export-led market access is expected to significantly benefit farmers by providing access to premium international markets and ensuring better price realization.
The successful shipment is expected to create new export opportunities for growers in Shopian and Pulwama, encourage wider adoption of export-oriented production practices, and further strengthen the global presence of Jammu & Kashmir's premium stone fruits. APEDA continues to promote exports of high-quality agricultural produce through market linkage initiatives, quality assurance support, buyer outreach programmes, and export facilitation measures, marking another significant step toward expanding India's fresh fruit exports and enhancing farmers' income.