Apricots, long a staple crop in Ladakh, have entered Gulf markets for the first time in 2025, with shipments sent to Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. The milestone was achieved with support from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), which facilitated a 1.5 metric ton consignment formally dispatched on 5 August from Leh.
Premium Halman apricots, known for their sweetness and drying qualities, are central to the region's horticulture. Traditionally sold locally as fresh or sun-dried fruit, the crop now enters organized export channels. The Lulu Group in the UAE procured the shipment, marking Ladakh's entry into global agri-trade.
Growers described the development as a departure from years of restrictions. Before 2019, when Ladakh was part of Jammu and Kashmir, exports were prohibited over codling moth concerns. After the Union Territory status, cold chain and certification protocols allowed exports to proceed. According to Tsewang Punchok, director of horticulture, "Earlier, we lacked cold chain storage, and it was difficult to transport such delicate, perishable produce without heavy losses. Since 2019, with cold chain technology and quality certification protocols in place, the situation has completely changed."
Farmers in Kargil and Leh cultivate around 2,600 hectares of apricots, producing 20,000 metric tons annually. Of this, about 2,000 tons are processed into dried fruit. Prices vary by grade and type, with fresh Halman selling between ₹250 and ₹280 (US$3.00–3.35) per kg and seedless dried apricots fetching up to ₹1,000 (US$12) per kg. Growers highlight Ladakh's dry climate and long sunlight hours as factors that enhance sweetness and drying efficiency.
Apricots remain central to Ladakh's cultural identity, consumed fresh, dried, and in processed forms such as jams and beverages. The Raktsey Karpo variety, granted Geographical Indication status in 2022, is produced in limited quantities of about 2,000 kg and sold as a premium fruit.
Challenges remain with drying methods, which often rely on traditional sun-drying. Farmers and researchers are exploring alternative technologies used in Turkey to improve hygiene and shelf life. Mohammad Abbas, a horticulture scholar, said production has stagnated despite new markets. "We now have international demand, but supply has not kept pace," he noted, urging the adoption of high-density planting systems for Halman apricots.
Infrastructure remains a concern, with road closures during the monsoon affecting transport. The opening of the Zojila and Z-Morh tunnels is expected to improve access to the Srinagar airport and larger fruit markets.
While Turkey leads global production, Ladakh maintains a reputation for producing some of the sweetest apricots. Experts emphasize that meeting export demand will require investment in production capacity, improved drying techniques, and protection of farmland from conversion to residential use.
Source: Mena FN