APEDA facilitates the first export shipment of one metric tonne of Areko Cherries and Scentrose Plums from Shopian and Pulwama districts in Jammu and Kashmir to Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and 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 and Kashmir to Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates on July 4, 2026. The export consignment comprises one metric tonne of premium stone fruits sourced from farmers in Shopian and Pulwama districts. The virtual flag-off ceremony was led by APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev, with officers of APEDA, officials of the Department of Horticulture of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, exporters, international buyers and other horticulture sector stakeholders in attendance.
Growers associated with the export supply chain realised nearly 60% higher returns for cherries and 120% higher returns for plums compared to prevailing domestic market prices. APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev said that “Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as an important hub for premium horticultural produce with immense export potential” and that the export “will create new opportunities for growers while contributing to higher incomes through better price realisation.” The initiative is expected to encourage wider adoption of export-oriented production practices and strengthen the global presence of Jammu and Kashmir’s premium stone fruits. APEDA continues to support agricultural exports through market linkage initiatives, quality assurance support, buyer outreach programmes and export facilitation measures.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)
