Halman apricot export from India

For the first time, a consignment of 1.5 metric tonnes of Halman apricots from Ladakh has been exported to the Gulf nations of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar.

The milestone was achieved through a collaborative effort between the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the Union Territory of Ladakh’s administration, and a private export company.

The Significance of Apricots in Ladakh

The apricot is a vital crop in Ladakh, with over 30,000 families dependent on it for their livelihood. The region’s orchards, covering over 2,600 hectares, produce about 15,868 tonnes of the fruit annually. Ladakh is the leading producer of dried apricots in India, with an output of roughly 1,999 tonnes.

The Kargil district produces the majority of India’s apricots, known for their unique and premium quality. The harvest season typically runs from mid-July to the end of August.

Unique Varieties and Export Push

• Raktsey Karpo Apricot: This unique variety, matchless in sweetness and with a white kernel, was granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2022, certifying its exclusive origin to the region.
• Halman Apricot: The variety chosen for this maiden export is prized for its distinct sweetness, rich flavor, and long shelf life. The consignment was sourced directly from farmers in the high-altitude belts of Kargil.
• Logistics and Market: The apricots were transported by air cargo after undergoing rigorous quality checks and pre-cooling protocols to maintain freshness.