Ladakh’s famed apricots, known for their exceptional sweetness and flavour, are set to enter global markets in a big way this season. Following a major push by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena to promote branding and export of the region’s GI-tagged “Raktsey Karpo” variety, along with the locally prized Halman variety, the UT Administration has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UAE-based global retail conglomerate Lulu Retail for the export of 1,000 metric tonnes (MT) of apricots.

This marks a historic milestone for Ladakh, with export volumes witnessing a massive jump from just 1,500 kg over the past two years.

The MoU was signed on April 15 through the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Government of India. It was formalised between Bhupesh Chaudhary, Secretary, Horticulture, UT Ladakh, and Salim M.A., Group Director (Global Operations), Lulu Retail, in the presence of the Lieutenant Governor.

Prior to the signing, the Lieutenant Governor held detailed discussions with representatives of Lulu Retail and APEDA to assess export potential. Under the agreement, Lulu Retail will procure at least 1,000 MT of apricots directly from farmers in Ladakh and handle processing, packaging, transportation, and global marketing, while maintaining the region’s unique identity.

At present, farmers face significant challenges in sorting, cleaning, packaging, and marketing apricots using traditional methods, often resulting in considerable post-harvest losses. With the new arrangement, farmers will be able to hand over their produce at the time of harvest, with the exporter managing the entire value chain—from plucking to international sales—thereby reducing losses and ensuring better returns.

“The unique apricots of Ladakh are an agricultural heritage of the region. This MoU aims to unlock the immense yet underutilised potential of apricot cultivation, ensuring better pricing for farmers while eliminating processing and marketing challenges. It will also strengthen Ladakh’s recognition at national and international levels,” the Lieutenant Governor said while addressing a two-day national workshop on “Enhancing Apricot Cultivation and Value Chain in Ladakh.”

Terming the agreement “historic,” he said it would provide direct economic benefits to farmers by opening international export channels. He added that efforts are also underway to explore export opportunities for Ladakhi apples.

The Lieutenant Governor further stressed the need to establish processing units within Ladakh to minimise wastage and enhance value addition. He assured full administrative support for infrastructure development and promotion of Ladakhi products in global markets. He also announced plans to launch Ladakh’s own e-commerce platform, on the lines of major marketplaces, to provide farmers with direct access to consumers.

Later, the Lieutenant Governor inspected stalls showcasing horticulture, handloom, and handicraft products set up by self-help groups (SHGs) and local entrepreneurs.