In a step towards boosting horticultural exports, the first commercial shipment of Mishri variety of cherries from the Kashmir valley has been exported to Dubai from Srinagar.
Prior to this shipment, a sample consignment was sent in the middle of June from Srinagar to Dubai through the air which was transhipped from Mumbai. Following an encouraging response from the consumers in Dubai, the first commercial shipment of the Mishri variety of cherries was exported to Dubai. Mishri variety of cherries not only taste delicious but also contain vitamins, minerals and plant compounds with health benefits.
The Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir produces more than 95% of the total country’s production of commercial varieties of cherries. It produces four varieties of cherry — Double, Makhmali, Mishri and Italy.
Prior to the shipment, the cherries were harvested, cleaned and packed by APEDA registered exporter while the technical inputs were provided by the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology of Kashmir.
APEDA-National Referral Laboratory at National Research Centre for Grapes, Pune provided support for ensuring food safety and quality in the shipment, which would help create a brand for cherries especially in the Middle East countries.
“The commencement of commercial shipment of cherries would provide huge opportunities for exports of several temperate fruits like plums, pears, apricot and apples from Kashmir to especially to Middle East countries in the forthcoming seasons," commerce and industry ministry said in a statement.
APEDA has been holding interactions with farmers, farmer producer organizations (FPOs), government officials and other stakeholders for boosting the exports potential of agricultural produce from Kashmir such as apples, almonds, walnuts, saffron, rice, fresh fruits and vegetables and certified organic products.
