Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, Apr 16: The unique Ladakhi Apricots, famous for their exceptionally rich sweetness and flavour, are all set to make a grand foray in the global markets this season.
Consequent to a major push by the Lieutenant Governor, Vinai Kumar Saxena, for promoting the branding and export of Ladakh’s GI-tagged “Raktsey Karpo” apricot variety, as well as the region-specific “Halman variety”, the UT Administration today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global conglomerate, UAE-based Lulu Retail, for export of 1000 MT of apricots this season, which is a historic first for Ladakh. This export volume is a quantum jump from just 1500 kg of apricots that were exported during the last two years.
Saxena held a meeting with representatives of the Lulu Retail and APEDA to finalise the export potential. The MoU has been signed with Lulu Retail through the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the Ministry of Food Processing Industry (MOFPI), Government of India. The MoU was signed by Bhupesh Chaudhary, Secretary, Horticulture, UT Administration and Salim MA, Group Director- Global Operations, Lulu Retail, in the presence of Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena.
It was agreed upon in the meeting with the Lieutenant Governor that Lulu Retail will procure at least 1000 MT of apricots from the farmers in Ladakh this season and process, package and market the product in international markets, while upholding the identity of Ladakh.
Terming the MoU as “historic,” the Lieutenant Governor described it as a major achievement for Ladakh’s horticulture sector and said that the MoU will ensure direct economic benefits to farmers by opening international export channels. He added that talks are also going on to market Ladakhi apples abroad.
Saxena also underscored the need to establish processing units in Ladakh to minimise wastage and enhance value addition. He further announced plans to launch Ladakh’s own e-commerce portal to provide farmers with direct market access.
The Lt Governor also inspected the stalls showcasing horticulture and handloom/ handicrafts products by self-help groups (SHGs) and entrepreneurs.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
