Shimla, June 27 (IANS) Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi on Saturday flagged off the first export consignment of 400 kg of cherries and 400 kg of plums to Oman from Chandigarh via air cargo.

The fruits were produced by six progressive farmers from the Jadol-Tikkar and Bagi areas of Shimla district. This marks a historic and proud moment for the state’s horticulture sector.

On the occasion, the minister said the Middle East and Gulf countries are emerging as large and promising export markets for the state’s fruits.

He added that this initiative would open new international market opportunities for the state’s stone fruits and would play a significant role in ensuring better, more remunerative prices for farmers.

Negi urged farmers to cultivate high-quality fruit varieties in line with international market demand so that the state’s fruits could establish a distinct identity in global markets.

He said this is only the beginning, and efforts would be expanded in the future to explore export opportunities for apples and other horticultural produce.

He added that the Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC) would continue to prioritise the interests of orchardists by developing new export opportunities.

The minister expressed confidence that this initiative would not only increase the income of the state’s fruit growers but also help establish Himachal Pradesh as a prominent player on the global fruit export map.

The initiative has been undertaken by the HPMC in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.

The costs associated with grading, packing, quality testing and other export-related arrangements have been borne by the HPMC with the APEDA’s support, ensuring that farmers receive the necessary assistance to access international markets.

Air transportation would enable the fruits to reach overseas markets quickly while maintaining their freshness and premium quality.

–IANS

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