CS Kundra reviews 1,000 MT export initiative with focus on quality, cold chain and farmer payments
LEH:: The ambitious initiative to export 1,000 metric tonnes of Ladakh’s premium fresh apricots to international markets, including Dubai, has entered a crucial implementation phase, with the first consignment scheduled to leave for the UAE on July 14.
Chief Secretary, Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, on Thursday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the preparedness and progress of the export initiative launched under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Lulu Group for promoting Ladakh’s fresh apricots in global markets.
During the detailed review, Kundra examined the entire supply chain mechanism, including procurement from villages, grading, sorting, packaging, cold chain management, transportation and timely shipment of the fruit. He stressed the need for seamless coordination among all stakeholders to ensure that Ladakh’s first major fresh apricot export venture sets a benchmark for future agricultural exports.
Secretary, Agriculture and Horticulture, Bhupesh Chaudhary, gave a comprehensive presentation on the implementation strategy, covering production estimates, identification of apricot-growing clusters, participation of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and aggregators, establishment of collection centres, harvesting schedules, logistics planning, financial arrangements and village-wise export projections.
The Chief Secretary reviewed the mobilisation of apricots from various production clusters across Ladakh and sought updates on transportation arrangements from Leh and Kargil to Srinagar and onward to Delhi, from where the produce will be airlifted to international destinations.
Special emphasis was laid on maintaining export quality standards. Kundra reviewed the grading and sorting process, rejection rates and reasons for rejection, including pest infestation, spoilage and non-compliance with export specifications. He directed officials and aggregators to adopt scientific post-harvest practices to minimise losses and ensure maximum returns for farmers.
Reviewing the financial aspects of the initiative, the Chief Secretary underlined the importance of transparent and timely payments to farmers and aggregators, directing concerned departments to ensure that procurement procedures, quality certification and payment mechanisms remain efficient and delay-free.
During the meeting, it was informed that a special cargo aircraft is scheduled to depart from Delhi for the UAE on July 14 carrying the first consignment of Ladakh’s fresh apricots. Kundra reviewed the cargo capacity, dispatch schedule and logistics preparedness, directing all agencies to ensure that consignments reach Delhi well ahead of the scheduled flight.
Highlighting the challenges posed by Ladakh’s difficult terrain, Kundra reviewed transportation routes from key production areas, including Sarchu and Zanskar, and directed Deputy Commissioners and concerned agencies to closely monitor road conditions and maintain contingency plans to tackle possible disruptions.
The preparedness of all five participating aggregators and the cooperative society was also reviewed, with focus on farmer outreach, procurement targets, production assessment and operational readiness. The Chief Secretary instructed them to maintain continuous coordination with farmers and strictly follow harvesting timelines.
A detailed assessment of the cold chain infrastructure was also undertaken, covering pre-cooling facilities, refrigerated transportation, temperature control protocols and certification requirements. Kundra emphasised that maintaining the cold chain from collection centres to final export is essential to preserve the quality and reputation of Ladakh apricots in global markets.
Stressing the importance of branding, the Chief Secretary directed agencies to ensure that Ladakh’s identity is prominently displayed on export packaging, showcasing the region’s unique and high-quality apricots to international consumers. He asked officials to coordinate closely with Fair Exports, Lulu Group and other stakeholders to meet global packaging and quality standards.
The meeting also discussed arrangements for the ceremonial flag-off of the inaugural export consignment on July 14, including inter-departmental coordination and support from the Police Department for smooth movement of refrigerated vehicles carrying the shipment.
The meeting was attended by SSP Leh, Secretary Agriculture and Horticulture, Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Director Horticulture, Director Agriculture, representatives of concerned departments, and senior officials associated with the export initiative. The 1,000 MT Fresh Apricot Export Initiative is being seen as a significant step towards integrating Ladakh’s farmers with international markets, enhancing agricultural value chains, reducing post-harvest losses and establishing Ladakh as a recognised source of premium high-altitude fruit.
