New Delhi, July 19: The central government is making continuous efforts to enhance farmers’ income. In this regard, the first shipment of premium Areco cherries and Centrose plums has been exported from Shopian and Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir to Singapore. This information was shared 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 Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, 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 statement highlighted that Jammu and Kashmir, known for its favorable agricultural climate, produces high-quality temperate fruits with excellent taste and texture that last long. The harvesting, grading, packing, and transportation of the export shipment were conducted scientifically, adhering to international food safety and plant hygiene standards through an efficient cold chain to ensure freshness and quality upon arrival in Singapore.
This initiative is expected to yield producers more than 50 percent returns compared to traditional marketing channels. Additionally, it is anticipated to promote export-oriented production, the adoption of scientific agricultural practices, and better 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 further stated 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’ income and further establish Jammu and Kashmir as a reliable source of high-value fresh temperate fruits in global markets.
My name is Kuldeep Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
