Revenue and Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi today flagged-off the first export consignment of 400 kilograms of cherries and 400 kilograms of plums to Oman from Chandigarh via air cargo. The fruits were produced by six progressive farmers from the Jadol-Tikkar and Bagi areas of Shimla district.
This marks a historic and proud moment for Himachal Pradesh's horticulture sector. On the occasion, the Horticulture Minister said that the Middle East and Gulf countries are emerging as large and promising export markets for Himachal Pradesh's fruits.
He stated that this initiative would open new international market opportunities for the state's stone fruits and play a significant role in ensuring better and more remunerative prices for farmers. Jagat Singh Negi urged farmers to cultivate high-quality fruit varieties in line with international market demand so that Himachal Pradesh's fruits could establish a distinct identity in global markets.
He said this is only the beginning and efforts would be expanded in the future to explore export opportunities for apples and other horticultural produce as well. He added that the Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC) would continue to prioritize the interests of orchardists by developing new export opportunities.
The Minister expressed confidence that this initiative would not only increase the income of the state's fruit growers but also help establish Himachal Pradesh as a prominent player on the global fruit export map. The initiative has been undertaken by the HPMC in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
The costs associated with grading, packing, quality testing and other export-related arrangements have been borne by the HPMC with the APEDA's support, ensuring that farmers receive the necessary assistance to access international markets. Air transportation would enable the fruits to reach overseas markets quickly while maintaining their freshness and premium quality.
It is noteworthy that on 7th June, 2026, the APEDA and the HPMC jointly organized a workshop for stone fruit growers in Theog. During the workshop, detailed discussions were held on promoting the export of Himachal Pradesh's stone fruits to the Middle East and Gulf markets, and a decision was taken to dispatch the first export consignment. In line with that decision, the inaugural export shipment was successfully flagged off today.
Managing Director of the HPMC D.C. Rana, General Manager of the HPMC Sunny Sharma and Regional Officer of the APEDA Harpreet Singh were present at the occasion.