Shimla: In a major boost to Himachal Pradesh’s horticulture sector, the first-ever export consignment of fresh cherries and plums from the state has successfully reached Oman, opening new avenues for international marketing of Himachali fruits and ensuring better returns for growers. The inaugural consignment, comprising 400 kilograms of fresh cherries and 400 kilograms of fresh plums, was flagged off by Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi. On its arrival in Oman, the Embassy of India in Muscat officially inaugurated the promotional campaign and appreciated the superior quality of Himachal Pradesh’s produce. The fruits were showcased through attractive in-store displays across retail outlets, receiving an encouraging response from consumers in the Omani market.
This landmark achievement has been made possible under the directions of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who has accorded top priority to strengthening the horticulture sector and expanding global market access for the state’s produce. The Department of Horticulture actively facilitated the export process, ensuring that growers receive remunerative prices and enhanced returns through international trade.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Regional Office, Chandigarh, played a pivotal role in facilitating the export by coordinating with farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), cooperatives, exporters, HPMC, state departments and logistics partners. These coordinated efforts ensured adherence to international quality, grading, packaging and phytosanitary standards.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu congratulated the Department of Horticulture and the fruit growers of Himachal Pradesh on the successful export of the state’s fresh cherries and plums to Oman. He lauded the collective efforts of the horticulturists and the department, stating that their dedication and hard work have begun yielding encouraging results, with international markets opening their doors to the naturally rich and premium-quality produce of Himachal Pradesh.
He said that this milestone would unlock new avenues of prosperity for the state’s farmers and horticulturists by providing them access to high-value global markets. He urged growers to continue focusing on quality, grading and scientific cultivation practices so that Himachal Pradesh could establish itself as a trusted supplier of premium fruits across the world.
Sukhu said that the state government was committed to standing shoulder to shoulder with the farming community by providing every possible support, including technical guidance, capacity building, quality enhancement measures, better post-harvest infrastructure and marketing assistance. He expressed confidence that with sustained efforts and government support, Himachal Pradesh’s horticulture sector would become more competitive in the international market, leading to higher incomes and improved livelihoods for farmers.
He said that the present state government was committed to transform horticulture into a more profitable and globally competitive sector. He said that several initiatives have been undertaken to encourage the production of premium-quality fruits and provide horticulturists with the necessary support to access high-value domestic and international markets.
The Chief Minister said that strengthening the rural economy remains one of the government’s foremost priorities and expanding export opportunities for farmers’ produce is a significant step in that direction. He urged horticulturists to adopt high-yielding and quality planting material and follow scientific cultivation practices to improve productivity and quality.
Sukhu assured that the state government would continue to extend all possible assistance to farmers and horticulturists in marketing their produce, improving post-harvest infrastructure and facilitating exports so that they receive better prices and higher incomes. He expressed confidence that the successful export to Oman would pave the way for Himachal Pradesh’s fruits to establish a stronger presence in other international markets as well.
