Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on July 15 flagged off the first export consignment of 5 metric tonnes (MT) of Ladakh's premium fresh apricots to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking the beginning of the region's largest-ever fresh apricot export programme.

The initiative is expected to significantly boost farmers' incomes while positioning Ladakh as a global supplier of premium-quality organic apricots.

The export has been facilitated under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in April 2026 between the Ladakh Administration and UAE-based Lulu Retail, through the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). The agreement envisages the export of more than 1,000 MT of fresh apricots during the current harvest season—a remarkable jump from the mere 1,500 kg exported over the previous two years.

Considering the highly perishable nature of apricots, which require storage and transportation at temperatures between 0°C and 4°C, the Ladakh Administration, with support from Container Corporation of India (CONCOR), has ensured uninterrupted cold-chain logistics to preserve the freshness and quality of the fruit throughout its journey to international markets.

The flagship export programme focuses on Ladakh's indigenous apricot varieties, Raktsey Karpo and Halman, renowned for their exceptional sweetness, rich flavour, high nutritional value, and organic cultivation. Grown under Ladakh's unique high-altitude climate, abundant sunshine, and pristine environment, these varieties are increasingly gaining recognition in international markets.

Speaking on the occasion, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena described the export of the first consignment as the beginning of a new chapter for Ladakh's horticulture sector and a major step towards connecting local farmers directly with global markets.

Calling the initiative a historic milestone, he said it would provide farmers with direct access to international buyers, ensure better and remunerative prices for their produce, and substantially improve their livelihoods.

The Lieutenant Governor noted that apricot growers have traditionally faced challenges in harvesting, sorting, grading, cleaning, packaging, transporting, and marketing their produce, often resulting in significant post-harvest losses and reduced returns.

Under the new arrangement with Lulu Retail, farmers will hand over their orchards to the export agency during the harvest season. The company will undertake the entire value chain—from harvesting and grading to packaging, cold-chain transportation, and export—thereby reducing post-harvest losses and relieving farmers of marketing and logistical responsibilities.

Saxena expressed confidence that the initiative would create new market opportunities, enhance farmers' incomes, encourage greater investment in horticulture, and establish Ladakh as one of India's leading exporters of premium-quality horticultural produce.