New Delhi, July 4 (IANS) The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the first export shipment of premium Areko cherries and Scentrose plums from Jammu and Kashmir to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a significant milestone in expanding the global footprint of the Union Territory’s high-value horticultural produce, it was announced on Saturday.

The inaugural consignment — comprising one metric tonne of premium stone fruits sourced from farmers in Shopian and Pulwama districts — was virtually flagged off by APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev for Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry said.

The export highlights the growing international demand for premium Indian fruits and underscores the export potential of Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture sector.

Congratulating the farmers and exporters, Dev said Jammu and 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,” he said.

In addition, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal hailed the development, saying the first export shipment of premium cherries and plums from India to Abu Dhabi and Dubai marks a new milestone for J&K’s horticulture sector and strengthens the global recognition of Indian fruits.

The ministry said that the initiative is expected to significantly benefit farmers by providing access to premium overseas markets and ensuring better price realisation.

Growers associated with the export supply chain realised nearly 60 per cent higher returns for cherries and about 120 per cent higher returns for plums compared with prevailing domestic market prices, demonstrating the value addition achieved through export-led market access, it added.

–IANS

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