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. The export consignment comprises one metric tonne of premium stone fruits sourced from farmers in Shopian and Pulwama districts, marking a significant milestone for the region's horticultural export potential.
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 emphasized that Jammu & Kashmir has emerged as an important hub for premium horticultural produce with immense export potential, and the authority remains committed to facilitating market access through export promotion initiatives, quality enhancement, and global buyer outreach.
The export initiative has demonstrated substantial economic benefits for farmers, with growers associated with the export supply chain realizing nearly 60% higher returns for cherries and 120% higher returns for plums compared to prevailing domestic market prices. This successful shipment is expected to create new export opportunities for growers in Shopian and Pulwama, encourage wider adoption of export-oriented production practices, and strengthen the global presence of Jammu & Kashmir's premium stone fruits. APEDA continues to promote exports through market linkage initiatives, quality assurance support, buyer outreach programmes, and export facilitation measures.