Govt Boosts J&K Horticulture Export Potential with Direct UAE Shipments

New Delhi, Jul 6 (KNN) The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the first export shipment of Areko Cherries and Scentrose Plums from Jammu & Kashmir to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking the entry of the region's premium stone fruits into the Gulf market.

The consignment, comprising one metric tonne of cherries and plums sourced from farmers in Shopian and Pulwama districts, was shipped to Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The export highlights the growing international demand for high-value horticultural produce from Jammu & Kashmir.

The shipment was virtually flagged off by APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev in the presence of officials from APEDA, the Department of Horticulture, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, exporters, international buyers and other stakeholders.

According to APEDA, the export is expected to improve farmers' access to international markets and enhance their earnings. Growers associated with the shipment received nearly 60 per cent higher returns for cherries and 120 per cent higher returns for plums compared with prevailing domestic market prices.

Dev said Jammu & Kashmir has emerged as an important producer of premium horticultural products with strong export potential. 

He added that APEDA will continue supporting farmers through market access initiatives, quality improvement measures and global buyer outreach to expand exports of Indian agricultural produce.

The authority said the successful shipment is expected to open new export opportunities for growers in Shopian and Pulwama, encourage export-oriented cultivation practices and strengthen the international presence of Jammu & Kashmir's premium stone fruits.

(KNN Bureau)