Kashmir growers gain access to overseas markets with first premium shipments

Agri-entrepreneurs said the shipment marks the culmination of years of efforts to build an integrated ecosystem for growers, to meet international market standards

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Kashmir’s horticulture sector is expanding its presence in overseas markets with the export of premium stone fruits, as Fruit Master dispatched the Valley’s first consignment of Aerko cherries and Scentrose plums to Abu Dhabi and Dubai.The one-tonne shipment was sourced from high-density orchards in the Shopian and Pulwama districts of south Kashmir. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, facilitated the export and last week virtually flagged off the consignment, led by its Chairman, Abhishek Dev. Kashmir is among India’s leading producers of premium plums, with the crop cultivated over nearly 1,500 hectares and annual production of around 8,000 tonne. The Valley has also been witnessing a gradual shift towards high-density cherry plantations under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), which promotes early-bearing orchards capable of producing better-quality fruit while reducing weather-related risks. Cherries are cultivated on nearly 3,000 hectares, with annual production estimated at over 23,100 tonne. Official figures show the crop contributes around ₹175 crore annually to the region’s economy, with Kashmir accounting for nearly 95 per cent of India’s total cherry output.Agri-entrepreneurs said the shipment marks the culmination of years of efforts to build an integrated ecosystem for growers, encompassing quality planting material, scientific orchard management, grading, packaging and cold-chain logistics to meet international market standards.Izhan Javed, Chief Executive Officer of Fruit Master, said the company has focused on introducing superior cherry varieties while equipping farmers with the technical know-how needed to improve productivity and fruit quality.“Our work began with the introduction of improved cherry genetics and high-quality planting material. Over the years, we have supported growers with scientific orchard management and agronomic practices to help them produce fruit that meets the quality requirements of international markets,” Javed said.He said the company’s objective is to enable farmers to tap overseas markets and realise better returns for their produce.“Every export consignment helps create new opportunities for our growers in global markets”, Javed said.New opportunityCommerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal described the shipment as a milestone for Jammu and Kashmir’s horticulture sector. In a post on X, he said the first export consignment of premium Aerko cherries and Scentrose plums from Shopian and Pulwama to Abu Dhabi and Dubai would strengthen the global recognition of Indian fruits while opening new opportunities for growers in the region.Published on July 6, 2026