The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) organised a one-day sensitisation cum capacity development programme on sea buckthorn and apricot for farmers of Nubra Valley at the SDM Conference Hall, Diskit, on April 21.

The programme was coordinated by CBBO - Indian Agribusiness Systems Limited and Sumoor Fed Dry Fruit FPO. A similar session was also conducted at the Sumoor Community Hall on April 19.

SDM Nubra, Mukul Beniwal (IAS), Dr. Rigzin Tsewang, Business Development Manager, APEDA; Shrimathi Baskar, Director, Finance and Compliance, Agriwatch; and Trivender Chittoria, DC Associates, were present during the event.

The programme commenced with an opening address by Sandeep Saha, Regional Head (J&K, Ladakh). The technical sessions focused on various key topics, including the development of the Sumoor FPO, packaging and export readiness of Ladakh's key fruits, the importance of labelling and regulatory compliance, GAP certification, project financing, and government subsidy schemes. Additionally, the sessions introduced optical fruit grading solutions to enhance product quality.

The programme aimed to raise awareness among local farmers, equipping them with essential knowledge and skills to produce high-quality, export-ready products, thereby contributing to India's agricultural export growth.