Ladakh exports first apricot consignment of 5 metric tonnes to UAE

Srinagar: Ladakh LG Vinai Kumar Saxena on Wednesday flagged off the first export consignment of five metric tonnes of the Union Territory's premium apricots to the United Arab Emirates.

The LG said the initiative marks the beginning of Ladakh's largest-ever fresh apricot export programme and is expected to significantly enhance farmers' income while establishing Ladakh as a global supplier of premium-quality organic apricots.

The export has been facilitated under an MoU signed in April between the Ladakh administration and the UAE-based global retail conglomerate Lulu Retail through the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, which envisages the export of over 1,000 metric tonnes of fresh apricots during the current harvest season.


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The administration informed that this is a significant leap from 1,500 kg of apricots exported in the previous two years, making it one of the most significant milestones in Ladakh's horticultural history.

The flagship export initiative focuses on 'Raktsey Karpo' and 'Halman', Ladakh's indigenous apricot varieties, internationally recognised for their exceptional sweetness, rich flavour, superior nutritional value and completely organic cultivation.