APEDA facilitates first export shipment of Areko Cherries and Scentrose Plums from Jammu & Kashmir to UAE

📌 Summary:

• APEDA facilitated the first-ever export shipment of premium Areko Cherries (high-density European sweet cherries) and Scentrose Plums from Jammu & Kashmir to Abu Dhabi and Dubai (UAE)
• Consignment of 1 metric tonne of premium stone fruits sourced from farmers of Shopian and Pulwama districts
• Growers in the export supply chain realised ~60% higher returns for cherries and ~120% higher for plums compared to domestic market prices — demonstrating export-led value addition
• Virtual flag-off led by APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev, with J&K Horticulture Department, exporters and international buyers
• Expected to encourage export-oriented production practices and strengthen the global presence of J&K's premium horticulture

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS3 — agricultural marketing and export promotion, doubling farmers' income through market access; horticulture-led development of J&K.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• APEDA = Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, statutory body (APEDA Act, 1985) under Ministry of Commerce & Industry
• First export: Areko Cherries and Scentrose Plums, J&K → UAE (Abu Dhabi, Dubai)
• Source districts: Shopian and Pulwama (Kashmir valley)

🔑 Key Term: APEDA — statutory authority established under the APEDA Act, 1985 for the development and export promotion of agricultural and processed food products from India.