Srinagar: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) on Thursday facilitated the first export shipment of premium Areko cherries and Scentrose plums from Jammu and Kashmir to Singapore.
The shipment, organised in collaboration with Osum Food Solutions LLP and Fruit Master Agro Fresh Pvt Ltd, comprised Areko cherries sourced from Shopian district and Scentrose plums from Pulwama, according to an official statement.
APEDA flagged off the consignment at a ceremony held to mark the inaugural export of the premium temperate fruits.
The authority said the initiative is expected to expand India’s presence in premium overseas markets, create better export opportunities for fruit growers in Jammu and Kashmir and improve price realisation. It also aims to strengthen India’s fresh fruit exports to Southeast Asia, particularly Singapore, where demand for premium imported fruits is growing.
According to the statement, the cherries and plums were cultivated using scientific orchard management practices and harvested at optimum maturity. The produce underwent grading, sorting, packing and cold-chain handling in accordance with international food safety and phytosanitary standards before export.
APEDA said the shipment reflects its efforts to strengthen the horticultural export ecosystem through quality improvement, market development, capacity building and better logistics. It added that improved access to premium international markets is expected to encourage export-oriented production, scientific cultivation practices and better post-harvest management, while contributing to higher incomes for growers and the growth of the horticulture sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
