Srinagar, July 15 -- In a major boost to Ladakh's horticulture sector, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Wednesday flagged off the first export consignment of five metric tonnes of premium fresh apricots to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Officials said the shipment comes as Ladakh prepares to export around 1,000 metric tonnes of fresh apricots overseas this season under a memorandum of understanding with the UAE-based Lulu Group, the largest export arrangement of its kind for the union Territory.
Ladakh produces over 15,000 metric tonnes of apricots annually-about 62 per cent of India's total output-and the initiative is expected to enhance farmers' incomes while positioning the region as a global supplier of premium organic apri...