Ladakh flags off first apricot export consignment to UAE

In an initiative that officials say will transform Ladakh's horticulture sector and expand international market access for local farmers, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Wednesday flagged off the first export consignment of five metric tonnes (MT) of Ladakh's premium apricots to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

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

The export has been facilitated under an MoU signed in April 2026 between the Ladakh Administration and UAE-based global retail conglomerate Lulu Retail through APEDA. The agreement envisages the export of more than 1,000 metric tonnes of fresh apricots during the current harvest season. This represents a monumental leap from the mere 1,500 kg of apricots exported over the previous two years, making it one of the most significant milestones in Ladakh's horticultural history.

As apricots are highly fragile and perishable, they must be stored and transported at temperatures between 0°C and 4°C. Keeping this in view, the Ladakh Administration, with support from CONCOR, ensured the shipment of the apricots from Ladakh through a cold-chain transportation system to maintain the freshness of the fruit.

The flagship export initiative focuses on 'Raktsey Karpo' and 'Halman', Ladakh's indigenous apricot varieties, which are internationally recognised for their exceptional sweetness, rich flavour, superior nutritional value and organic cultivation. Grown under Ladakh's unique high-altitude climatic conditions, abundant sunshine and pristine environment, these varieties are regarded among the finest apricots in the world and have witnessed growing demand in international markets.

Speaking on the occasion, L-G Saxena said the export of the first consignment marked the beginning of a new era for Ladakh's horticulture sector and reflected the Administration's commitment to connecting local farmers directly with global markets.

"This export initiative is a historic moment for Ladakh, its horticulture sector and, above all, our hardworking farmers. The flagging off of the first export consignment of Ladakh apricots to the UAE marks the beginning of Ladakh's journey towards becoming a global horticulture export hub. This initiative will not only provide our farmers with direct access to international markets but also ensure fair and remunerative prices for their produce, substantially improving their incomes and living conditions," he said.

Officials said farmers had traditionally faced considerable challenges in harvesting, sorting, grading, cleaning, packaging and marketing their produce, often resulting in significant post-harvest losses and reduced returns. Under the new arrangement with Lulu Retail, however, farmers will simply hand over their orchards to the export agency at the time of harvest, after which the company will manage the entire value chain, from plucking and sorting to grading, processing, packaging and transportation to international markets.

L-G Saxena said the arrangement would substantially reduce post-harvest losses while ensuring that farmers receive fair prices for their produce without having to bear the burden of plucking, grading, packaging and marketing.