India Exports First Jammu and Kashmir Cherries and Plums to Singapore

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the first export shipment of premium Areko cherries and Scentrose plums from Jammu and Kashmir to Singapore on July 16, 2026. Sourced from the Shopian and Pulwama districts, the consignment was organized in collaboration with Osum Food Solutions LLP and Fruit Master Agro Fresh Private Limited using a rigorous cold-chain process to meet international phytosanitary standards.

Singapore High Commissioner to India Simon Wong welcomed the shipment's arrival on July 17, crediting APEDA and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for the trade facilitation. The initiative aims to position the region as a reliable global source of high-value temperate fruits and reduce post-harvest losses. Officials expect the direct access to premium overseas markets to increase grower returns by over 50 percent compared to conventional channels.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal linked this milestone to a broader expansion of Indian agricultural exports, noting similar successes with Jharkhand mangoes to the UK and Dubai, Karnataka millet foods to New Zealand, and Uttarakhand litchis to Italy. Goyal stated that accessing these global markets is enabling some farmers to earn up to 120 per cent higher returns.