J&K Cherries and Plums Make First Trip to UAE

APEDA flagged off the first export shipment of Areko Cherries and Scentrose Plums from Jammu & Kashmir to Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The one metric tonne consignment was sourced from farmers in Shopian and Pulwama districts. APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev led the virtual ceremony, calling it a reflection of growing global demand for India's premium fruits. Growers earned nearly 60 per cent higher returns for cherries and 120 per cent higher returns for plums compared to domestic prices. The shipment is expected to open new export opportunities for J&K's stone fruit growers and boost farmer incomes.