New Delhi, July 19: The central government is continuously working to enhance farmers’ income. In this effort, the first shipment of premium Areco cherries and Centrose plums has been exported from Shopian and Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir to Singapore. This announcement was made by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Sunday.
In a post on the social media platform ‘X’, Goyal stated, “This news is nothing short of a blessing for the farmers of Shopian and Pulwama. With the support of APEDA, the first shipment of premium Areco cherries and Centrose plums has departed for Singapore. This initiative will provide farmers with better prices, direct access to global markets, and strengthen India’s agricultural exports.”
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry noted that the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the export of premium Areco cherries (high-density European sweet cherries) and Centrose plums from Shopian and Pulwama to Singapore.
This achievement follows the successful export of fresh cherries and plums to the United Arab Emirates, specifically Abu Dhabi and Dubai, further enhancing the global presence of Kashmir’s premium temperate fruits.
The ministry reported that APEDA organized a flag-off ceremony for the first export shipment to Singapore on July 16, 2026, in collaboration with Messrs Osum Food Solutions LLP and Messrs Fruit Master Agro Fresh Private Limited from Pulwama.
The ministry further stated that Jammu and Kashmir, known for its favorable agricultural climate, produces high-quality temperate fruits with excellent taste, texture, and longevity. The harvesting, grading, packing, and transportation of the export shipment were conducted scientifically, ensuring freshness and quality upon arrival in Singapore through an efficient cold chain that adhered to international food safety and plant hygiene standards.
This initiative is expected to yield producers returns exceeding 50% compared to traditional marketing methods. Additionally, it is anticipated to promote export-oriented production, the adoption of scientific agricultural practices, and improved post-harvest management, thereby reducing post-harvest losses, increasing value realization, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for the fruit-producing communities in Jammu and Kashmir.
The ministry’s statement further emphasized that this export reflects APEDA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen India’s horticultural exports through market diversification, export facilitation, and improved logistics. By connecting producers to premium international markets, this initiative aims to increase farmers’ incomes and further establish Jammu and Kashmir as a reliable source of high-value fresh temperate fruits in global markets.
Leave a Comment