LEH: In a major boost to Ladakh’s horticulture sector, the Union Territory Administration has signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to export 1000 metric tonnes of premium apricots to international markets this season, marking a significant leap from the mere 1500 kg exported over the past two years.
The initiative follows sustained efforts by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena to promote branding and global outreach of Ladakh’s GI-tagged Raktsey Karpo apricot, along with the region-specific Halman variety, both known for their exceptional sweetness and flavour.
The MoU has been signed with UAE-based retail giant LuLu Group International through the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority and the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India. The agreement was formalized by Bhupesh Chaudhary, Secretary, Horticulture, UT Administration, and Salim M.A., Group Director – Global Operations, LuLu Retail, in the presence of the Lieutenant Governor.
Under the agreement, LuLu Retail will procure at least 1000 MT of apricots directly from farmers in Ladakh. The company will handle plucking, sorting, processing, packaging, transportation, and international marketing, ensuring preservation of Ladakh’s unique product identity.
Officials highlighted that traditional methods of sorting, cleaning, and packaging often resulted in significant post-harvest losses for farmers. The new arrangement is expected to minimize wastage and ensure fair pricing by transferring processing and marketing responsibilities to the exporter.
Addressing a national workshop on “Enhancing Apricot Cultivation and Value Chain in Ladakh,” Shri Saxena termed the MoU as a “historic” step that will unlock the region’s untapped horticulture potential. He emphasized that the initiative would eliminate key challenges faced by farmers while enhancing Ladakh’s recognition in global markets.
The Lieutenant Governor also revealed that discussions are underway to expand exports to include Ladakhi apples. Stressing the importance of infrastructure, he called for establishing processing units in the region to further reduce wastage and increase value addition.
Additionally, plans were announced to launch a dedicated e-commerce platform for Ladakh, modeled on major platforms like Amazon and Flipkart, to provide farmers with direct access to wider markets.
The Lieutenant Governor also visited stalls showcasing horticulture, handloom, and handicraft products by self-help groups and local entrepreneurs, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to promoting Ladakhi produce on national and international platforms.
