**Executive Summary**
On July 4, 2026, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the first export shipment of premium Areko Cherries and Scentrose Plums from Jammu & Kashmir to the UAE. This initiative aims to enhance farmers' income through international market access and highlights the export potential of high-value horticultural produce from the Shopian and Pulwama districts. The project achieved significant price realization for growers, marking a milestone in India's fresh fruit export strategy.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Export Shipment Details**
* The first consignment consists of one metric tonne of premium stone fruits: Areko Cherries (High-Density European Sweet Cherries) and Scentrose Plums.
* The shipment was virtually flagged off on July 4, 2026, by APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev.
* The produce was sourced from farmers in the Shopian and Pulwama districts of Jammu & Kashmir and destined for Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
**Economic Benefits and Price Realisation**
* Cherry growers realized nearly 60% higher returns compared to prevailing domestic market prices.
* Plum growers achieved 120% higher returns through this export-led market access.
* The initiative is designed to create new market opportunities and enhance overall returns for regional farmers.
**Strategic Facilitation and Support**
* APEDA provides market linkage initiatives, quality assurance support, and buyer outreach programs to facilitate exports.
* The project involves collaboration between APEDA, the Department of Horticulture (J&K), exporters, and international buyers.
* The initiative encourages the wider adoption of export-oriented production practices among local growers to strengthen India's global presence in the stone fruit market.
**Impact Analysis**
**Farmers and Growers (Shopian and Pulwama)**
**Impact**
Growers gain access to premium international markets, resulting in substantially higher income (60% to 120% increase) compared to domestic sales.
**Action Required**
Adopt export-oriented production practices and focus on quality enhancement to meet international standards.
**APEDA and Department of Horticulture (J&K)**
**Impact**
These bodies are established as critical facilitators for regional horticultural growth, proving the effectiveness of export-led market access initiatives.
**Action Required**
Continue providing market linkage, quality assurance support, and facilitation measures to sustain and expand export volumes.
**Exporters and International Buyers**
**Impact**
Exporters gain a new supply chain for high-value premium fruits, while international buyers in the UAE gain access to high-quality Indian stone fruits.
**Action Required**
Maintain collaborative efforts and outreach to meet the growing international demand for premium Indian horticultural produce.
Key Entities Referenced
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA): The primary regulatory authority under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry responsible for facilitating the export of premium stone fruits from Jammu & Kashmir.
Jammu & Kashmir (Shopian and Pulwama): The source region for the high-value horticultural produce, central to the initiative's objective of enhancing farmers' income through international market access.
United Arab Emirates (UAE): The target international market for the first export shipment of Areko Cherries and Scentrose Plums from the region.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry: The central ministry overseeing APEDA and national-level export promotion and facilitation measures.
Department of Horticulture, Jammu & Kashmir: The state-level department that collaborated with APEDA to source produce and coordinate the export initiative for local growers.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
APEDA Facilitates First Export Shipment of
Areko Cherries and Scentrose Plums from
Jammu & Kashmir to UAE
Export of premium stone fruits sourced from Shopian and
Pulwama creates new market opportunities and enhances
farmers' returns
प्रव तथ: 04 JUL 2026 8:16PM by PIB Delhi
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 (UAE).
The export consignment, comprising one metric tonne of premium stone fruits sourced from farmers in
Shopian and Pulwama districts, highlights the growing export potential of Jammu & Kashmir's high-value
horticultural produce and the increasing global demand for premium Indian fruits.
The virtual flag-off ceremony was led by APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev. The programme was 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. The event showcased
the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders towards promoting exports of premium horticultural produce
from the region.
Congratulating the farmers and the exporter on this milestone APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev, said,
"Jammu & Kashmir has emerged as an important hub for premium horticultural produce with immense
export potential. APEDA remains committed to facilitating market access for farmers through export
promotion initiatives, quality enhancement and global buyer outreach. The export of Areko Cherries and
Scentrose Plums to the UAE reflects the growing international demand for India's premium fruits and will
create new opportunities for growers while contributing to higher incomes through better price
realisation."
The export initiative is expected to significantly benefit farmers by providing access to premium
international markets and ensuring better price realisation. Growers associated with the export supply
chain realised nearly 60 per cent higher returns for cherries and 120 per cent higher returns for plums
compared to prevailing domestic market prices, demonstrating the substantial value addition achieved
through export-led market access.
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. The
export of Areko Cherries and Scentrose Plums to the UAE marks another significant step towards
expanding India's fresh fruit exports, enhancing farmers' income and strengthening the country's presence
in international markets.
जू-कीर के बाग से वैक बाजार तक नई उड़ान!
शोपयां और पुलवामा क ीमयम Areko Cherries और Scentrose Plums क पहली नयात खेप
अबू धाबी और ुबई के लए रवाना हुई। यह उपल भारतीय फल क वैक पहचान को और मजबूत
करने के साथ जू-कीर के बागवानी ेत्र के लए नए… pic.twitter.com/kms0y6ARmM
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) July 4, 2026
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Abhishek Dayal/ Abhijith Narayanan/ Garima Singh
(रलीज़ आईडी: 2281136) आगंतुक पटल : 937
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