APEDA exports J&K Areko cherries, Scentrose plums to UAE in historic first
Synopsis
For the first time, J&K's prized Areko cherries and Scentrose plums have landed in Abu Dhabi and Dubai — and the farmers behind the shipment earned up to 120% more than domestic prices. APEDA's inaugural UAE consignment from Shopian and Pulwama could be the opening of a far larger Gulf market for the Union Territory's horticulture sector.
Key Takeaways
APEDA facilitated J&K's first-ever export of Areko cherries and Scentrose plums to the UAE on 4 July 2025 .
The inaugural consignment weighed one metric tonne , sourced from farmers in Shopian and Pulwama districts.
Farmers earned nearly 60% higher returns on cherries and approximately 120% higher returns on plums versus domestic market prices.
APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev virtually flagged off the shipment bound for Abu Dhabi and Dubai .
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal called the export a new milestone for J&K's horticulture sector and India's global fruit recognition.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the first-ever export shipment of premium Areko cherries and Scentrose plums from Jammu and Kashmir to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking a significant milestone for the Union Territory's horticulture sector. The inaugural consignment was virtually flagged off on Saturday, 4 July, with destinations in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The Consignment
The shipment comprised one metric tonne of premium stone fruits sourced from farmers in Shopian and Pulwama districts — two of J&K's most productive horticultural belts. APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev virtually flagged off the consignment, with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry announcing the development.
'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,' Dev said.
Farmer Returns and Price Realisation
The export has delivered tangible gains for growers in the supply chain. Farmers associated with the initiative reportedly realised nearly 60 per cent higher returns for cherries and approximately 120 per cent higher returns for plums compared with prevailing domestic market prices. This premium pricing underscores the value-addition potential of export-led market access for J&K's agricultural community.
Government Response
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal hailed the development, describing the shipment as a new milestone for J&K's horticulture sector that strengthens the global recognition of Indian fruits. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry said the initiative is expected to significantly benefit farmers by opening access to premium overseas markets and ensuring better price realisation over the long term.
Significance for J&K Horticulture
Jammu and Kashmir has long been recognised for the quality of its stone fruits, but access to international markets has historically been constrained by logistics, quality certification, and buyer outreach challenges. This export to the UAE — one of South Asia's most competitive premium food markets — signals a structural shift. Notably, the UAE serves as a gateway to broader Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets, meaning this first shipment could open the door to significantly larger volumes. This comes amid a broader push by the Centre to integrate J&K's agricultural economy more deeply into national and global supply chains following the reorganisation of the region in 2019.
What Comes Next
APEDA is expected to scale outreach to additional Gulf and European buyers as it builds on this inaugural shipment. The authority has indicated continued focus on quality enhancement and global buyer engagement to sustain and grow export volumes from the region.
Point of View
But the real test is replicability at scale. A one-tonne inaugural shipment is a proof of concept, not a market. J&K's horticulture sector has historically struggled with cold-chain gaps and post-harvest losses that erode margins before fruit reaches any port. Unless APEDA's buyer outreach is backed by sustained logistics investment and quality certification infrastructure, this milestone risks remaining symbolic. The UAE gateway is valuable, but Gulf markets are competitive and quality-sensitive — India will need consistency, not just a flag-off moment.
NationPress
4 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of APEDA's first cherry and plum export from J&K to the UAE?
It marks the first time Jammu and Kashmir's premium Areko cherries and Scentrose plums have been exported to the UAE, opening access to a high-value Gulf market. Farmers in Shopian and Pulwama earned up to 120% more than domestic prices, demonstrating the income potential of export-led market access.
Which fruits were exported and where were they sourced from?
One metric tonne of Areko cherries and Scentrose plums were exported, sourced from farmers in Shopian and Pulwama districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The consignment was destined for Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
How much more did farmers earn through this export compared to domestic sales?
Farmers reportedly earned nearly 60% higher returns on cherries and approximately 120% higher returns on plums compared to prevailing domestic market prices, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Who facilitated and flagged off the export shipment?
APEDA facilitated the export, and APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev virtually flagged off the consignment. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also welcomed the development as a milestone for J&K's horticulture sector.
What does this export mean for J&K's horticulture sector going forward?
The export signals growing international demand for J&K's premium stone fruits and could open the door to broader Gulf Cooperation Council markets. APEDA has indicated it will continue quality enhancement and global buyer outreach to scale up volumes from the region.
