Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi initiated the export of 400 kg of cherries and 400 kg of plums to Oman from Chandigarh via air cargo. These fruits were cultivated by six farmers from Shimla district, marking a significant milestone for the state’s horticulture sector.
Negi highlighted the growing potential of Middle East and Gulf countries as lucrative markets for Himachal Pradesh’s fruits. He emphasized that this venture would create new global market prospects for the state’s stone fruits, ensuring better returns for farmers. The minister encouraged farmers to focus on cultivating high-quality fruit varieties that align with international market demands to establish a unique identity for the state’s produce.
This export endeavor signifies the state’s foray into international markets, with plans to explore opportunities for exporting apples and other horticultural products in the future. The Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC), in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), is facilitating this initiative. By covering costs related to grading, packing, and quality testing, the HPMC, supported by APEDA, aims to assist farmers in accessing international markets efficiently.
Air transportation has been chosen for its ability to swiftly deliver the fruits to overseas destinations while preserving their freshness and premium quality.
