Indian agri-exports, the first-ever commercial consignment of premium cherries from Jammu and Kashmir has arrived in Saudi Arabia, marking a breakthrough for fruit growers in the Himalayan region and signalling expanding global reach for India’s high-value horticultural produce.
The Embassy of India in Saudi Arabia confirmed the arrival of the consignment. The Embassy’s Commercial team, led by Counsellor (Commerce) Manusmriti, visited Lulu Supermarket in Riyadh to welcome and formally launch the premium cherries. The fruit is now available for Saudi consumers, offering them a taste of Kashmir’s celebrated produce.
Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, underscored that the export of cherries represents a broader effort by the government to bridge logistical challenges and make Indian fruits globally competitive. “What a win for #VocalForLocal,” he posted, highlighting the initiative’s alignment with the government’s focus on empowering local producers and making Indian produce a global brand.
The premium cherry consignment is part of an expanding export strategy aimed at tapping into high-value international markets for niche agricultural products. This is particularly significant for Jammu and Kashmir, where cherry cultivation is a crucial source of livelihood for hundreds of farming families. Until recently, limited shelf life and fragile transport conditions restricted cherries largely to domestic markets. However, recent advances in cold chain logistics and air freight coordination have now enabled India to position cherries as a viable export item.
According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India’s total exports of merchandise and services for the financial year 2024–25 are projected to reach $820.93 billion, a 5.50 percent increase over the previous fiscal. Within this, the fruits and vegetables segment has demonstrated robust growth, with exports rising from $3.66 billion in 2023–24 to $3.87 billion in 2024–25, registering a 5.67 percent growth.
