Srinagar, June 16, 2025 – In a historic milestone for Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture industry, the first commercial consignment of premium cherries departed Srinagar on June 13, 2025, bound for Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This pioneering export, orchestrated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir administration, opens a lucrative international market for local cherry farmers, promising better prices and global recognition for their high-quality produce.
The consignment, primarily sourced from orchards in Ganderbal district, which produces nearly 60% of Kashmir’s cherries, was flagged off virtually by APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev and Salem M.A. of Lulu Group, a leading retailer in the Gulf region. The cherries, known for their rich flavor and vibrant color, were transported under stringent cold-chain logistics to ensure freshness upon arrival at premium retail outlets in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. This export builds on recent logistical advancements, including the successful rail transport of 24 tonnes of cherries from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Mumbai on May 31, 2025, which demonstrated the potential for efficient handling of perishable goods.
Jammu and Kashmir’s Director of Horticulture, Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, hailed the export as a “game-changer,” stating, “This is a proud moment for our farmers. Accessing markets in the Gulf not only boosts their income but also elevates Kashmir’s reputation as a source of world-class produce.” Farmers in Ganderbal and other cherry-growing areas like Shopian and Pulwama expressed enthusiasm, noting that international demand could stabilize prices previously affected by domestic market fluctuations.
The initiative comes at a critical time for the region’s economy, which faced setbacks following the April 2025 Pahalgam attack. By leveraging partnerships with global retailers like Lulu Group and improving supply chain infrastructure, the administration aims to sustain and expand exports of cherries and other signature produce such as apples, walnuts, and saffron. The move has sparked optimism on social media, with posts celebrating the achievement as a triumph for Kashmiri farmers and a step toward economic resilience.
This export marks a new chapter for Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture, with plans underway to explore additional markets in the Middle East and beyond, further empowering farmers and strengthening the region’s global trade footprint.
