Himachal Pradesh fruit exports begin with cherries and plums shipment to Oman

Himachal Pradesh sent its first air cargo export of cherries and plums to Oman. Revenue and Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi flagged off the shipment from Chandigarh. The consignment carried 400 kg of cherries and 400 kg of plums. The export used air transport to protect freshness and quality during delivery.

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The fruits came from six progressive farmers in Shimla district. The produce was grown in the Jadol-Tikkar and Bagi areas. A statement described the move as a major milestone for the state’s horticulture. The shipment signalled a shift towards overseas buyers for Himachal Pradesh stone fruits.

Himachal Pradesh fruit export to Oman targets Gulf markets

Negi said the Middle East and Gulf region was becoming a key export destination. Negi said the plan would widen access for Himachal Pradesh fruits abroad. Negi said better export channels could support improved and more stable farm prices. Negi said stone fruits would gain new international market options through this effort.

Negi said the programme would not stop with cherries and plums. Negi said officials would scale up work to seek export options for apples. Negi said other horticulture items would also be considered. The minister linked these steps to long-term earnings for orchardists across the state.

Himachal Pradesh fruit export to Oman backed by HPMC and APEDA

The effort was led by the Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation, or HPMC. It worked with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, or APEDA. APEDA operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. The agencies coordinated export planning and compliance for the shipment.

HPMC covered grading, packing, and quality testing costs for the consignment. Other export-linked arrangements were also funded by HPMC with APEDA support. Officials said this support helped farmers meet overseas requirements. The aim was to reduce hurdles that often prevent small growers entering export markets.

HPMC said it would keep orchardists’ interests at the centre of future work. The corporation planned to keep building export pathways for Himachal Pradesh produce. The air route was chosen to cut transit time and limit spoilage risks. Officials expected the approach to support further exports from the state.

With inputs from PTI