APEDA strengthens J&K’s agri export ecosystem through global market outreach
Srinagar, Jan 14: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, is playing a pivotal role in strengthening the agricultural and processed food export ecosystem of Jammu and Kashmir through targeted trade facilitation, capacity building and international market outreach.
A statement here said that through a series of strategic interventions, APEDA has enhanced the global visibility and competitiveness of the Union Territory’s agri-horticultural produce.
In 2023, APEDA organised promotional programmes for Black Carrots and Red Delicious/Kullu Delicious apples from Jammu and Kashmir in key markets such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia. These markets, along with Singapore, witnessed a vibrant showcase of the region’s diverse agri and processed food basket, including GI-tagged saffron, apples, mixed vegetables, Kashmiri pickles, almonds, walnuts, pulses, honey varieties, dried lavender, almond, walnut and apricot oils, Basmati and Mushkbudji rice, Kashmiri red chilli, saffron kehwa and other value-added products.
Further reinforcing export momentum, APEDA facilitated the first commercial consignment of premium-quality Kashmiri cherries to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, marking a significant milestone for the region’s fresh fruit exports. In another major outreach initiative, GI-tagged Kashmiri saffron was showcased in Riyadh on the occasion of India’s Independence Day, aimed at enhancing global awareness of Jammu and Kashmir’s unique agricultural heritage.
APEDA has also promoted agri produce from Jammu and Kashmir during the Indian rice promotional campaign at Expo 2025, Osaka, in collaboration with the Consulate General of India, Osaka, and the Japan–India Industry Promotion Association (JIIPA). Premium rice varieties, including Mushkbudji, were showcased, with wet sampling receiving an encouraging response from Japanese importers, indicating strong potential for market expansion.
To strengthen trade linkages at the grassroots level, APEDA has organised sensitisation programmes, trade meets and Buyer–Seller Meets across Jammu and Kashmir. International Buyer–Seller Meets held in Srinagar and Jammu enabled direct interaction between exporters, Farmer-Producer Organisations (FPOs) and overseas buyers, fostering sustainable and long-term market connections.
In line with global regulatory and quality requirements, APEDA has provided financial assistance for the upgradation of the food testing laboratory at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir (SKUAST-K). Exporters have also received financial support for establishing Integrated Pack Houses to facilitate the export of fruits and vegetables to international markets.
