First-ever consignment of fresh cherries and plums from Himachal Pradesh reaches Oman
Chief Minister says milestone will open new avenues of prosperity for farmers and orchardists
Himachal Pradesh has achieved a significant milestone in the horticulture sector with the successful export of its first-ever consignment of fresh cherries and plums to Oman. The landmark achievement is expected to strengthen the state's presence in international markets while ensuring better returns for its orchardists.
The inaugural shipment, comprising 400 kilograms of fresh cherries and 400 kilograms of fresh plums, was flagged off recently by Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi. Upon its arrival in Oman, the Embassy of India in Muscat launched a promotional campaign, with the fruits prominently displayed across leading retail outlets. Consumers appreciated the exceptional taste, freshness, and quality of Himachal’s produce, receiving an overwhelmingly positive response.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu described the successful export as a landmark achievement for the state's horticulture sector. He said the government is committed to expanding global market access for Himachal’s agricultural and horticultural products, enabling farmers and orchardists to secure higher-value markets.
He credited the success to the dedicated efforts of the Horticulture Department and the hard work of the state's orchardists, stating that Himachal’s naturally grown, premium-quality fruits are steadily earning recognition in international markets.
The Chief Minister said the development would create new income opportunities for farmers and strengthen the rural economy by providing access to premium overseas markets.
A key role in facilitating the export was played by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Regional Office in Chandigarh. APEDA coordinated with Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), cooperative societies, exporters, the Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation, state government departments, and other stakeholders to ensure the successful completion of the export process. Strict compliance with international quality standards, grading, packaging, and phytosanitary requirements was maintained throughout.
Congratulating the Horticulture Department and the state's orchardists, the Chief Minister said the growing international demand for Himachal Pradesh’s high-quality fruits reflects the state's immense horticultural potential. He urged growers to adopt scientific farming practices, modern cultivation techniques, quality grading, and improved post-harvest management to strengthen Himachal’s reputation as a reliable supplier of premium fruits.
He reiterated that the state government remains committed to supporting farmers and orchardists through technical guidance, capacity building, quality improvement, better agricultural infrastructure, marketing assistance, and export facilitation. These initiatives, he said, are aimed at making horticulture more profitable, modern, and globally competitive.
Expressing confidence about the future, the Chief Minister said the successful export to Oman would pave the way for Himachal Pradesh’s fruits to enter more international markets across the Middle East, Europe, and beyond. He added that the achievement marks the beginning of a new chapter for the state's horticulture sector, promising higher incomes for farmers and greater global recognition for Himachal’s premium produce.