There have been repeat orders for shipment of Ladakh Apricots to various other destinations

The first commercial consignment of Apricots from Ladakh has been exported to Dubai, opening up the prospect of other temperate fruits and organic products from the region being shipped to Middle-east countries.

The consignment of the Halman variety of Apricot was transhipped from Leh, Ladakh to Mumbai prior to being exported to Dubai by an APEDA registered exporter.

The fruit for the shipment was harvested, cleaned and packed by local entrepreneurs who were provided technical assistance by APEDA on the requirements of the export value chain, said the Ministry of Commerce & Industry on Thursday.

APEDA has been working to establish an export value chain for Ladakh Apricot in association with an importer Group based in Dubai.

A few sample shipments of fresh apricots were earlier sent from Leh to Dubai by air in August.

Ladakh Apricots have a unique soothing taste and texture with high sugar contents and total soluble solids.

The Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh produces several varieties of Apricots out of which four to five varieties are taken up for commercial cultivation and export opportunities exist for these varieties.

Ladakh produces approximately 15,789 MT of Apricots.

There have been repeat orders for shipment of Ladakh Apricots to various other destinations of Middle Eastern countries such as Oman and Qatar.

For giving a boost to exports of agricultural produce from Ladakh, which would enhance farmers’ as well as entrepreneurs’ income, APEDA in association with officials of the horticulture, agriculture, commerce and industry departments of Union Territory and Defence Institute of High-Altitude Research are working out comprehensive plans of action.

Following a series of interactions held recently at Ladakh, identified areas of work include enhancement of production of fruits with medicinal values including sea buckthorn, apricot and organic produce and introduction of the traceability system, capacity-building of farmers and value addition of products.

Technical assistance for building the capacity of stakeholder including entrepreneurs, officials, farmers, branding and marketing of Ladakhi products and making Ladakh an ‘organic’ region is in process.

APEDA would provide special assistance for branding and promotion of Ladakhi products, especially sea buckthorn which is rich in Vitamin C, omega and other essential nutrients.