APEDA Facilitates First Export of Areko Cherries and Scentrose Plums from Jammu & Kashmir to UAE

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has facilitated the first export shipment of premium Areko cherries and Scentrose plums from Jammu & Kashmir to Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The inaugural consignment, comprising one metric tonne of premium stone fruits sourced from farmers in Shopian and Pulwama districts, marks a significant milestone in promoting Jammu & Kashmir’s high-value horticultural produce in international markets. The shipment reflects the growing global demand for premium Indian fruits and the region’s increasing potential as an export hub.

The virtual flag-off ceremony was led by APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev and attended by officials from APEDA, the Department of Horticulture, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, exporters, international buyers, and other stakeholders from the horticulture sector. The event highlighted the coordinated efforts of government agencies and industry partners to expand export opportunities for the region’s fruit growers.

Congratulating the farmers and exporters, APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev said Jammu & Kashmir has emerged as an important centre for premium horticultural produce with strong export potential. He reaffirmed APEDA’s commitment to improving market access for farmers through export promotion, quality enhancement, and global buyer outreach initiatives. According to him, the export of Areko cherries and Scentrose plums to the UAE demonstrates the rising international demand for India’s premium fruits and is expected to create new income opportunities for growers through better price realisation.

The export initiative has already delivered significant financial benefits to participating farmers. Growers associated with the shipment received nearly 60 per cent higher returns for cherries and about 120 per cent higher returns for plums compared with prevailing domestic market prices, underscoring the value of access to premium international markets.

The successful shipment is expected to encourage more growers in Shopian and Pulwama to adopt export-oriented cultivation and post-harvest practices while strengthening the global presence of Jammu & Kashmir’s premium stone fruits.

APEDA continues to support the export of high-quality agricultural produce through market linkage initiatives, quality assurance programmes, buyer outreach, and export facilitation measures. The export of Areko cherries and Scentrose plums to the UAE represents another step towards expanding India’s fresh fruit exports, enhancing farmers’ incomes, and strengthening the country’s position in global agricultural markets.

Source :PIB