LEH: Ladakh’s premium apricots are set to make a major international debut with the first consignment bound for Dubai scheduled to leave on July 14 under the ambitious 1,000 MT Fresh Apricot Export Initiative. Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra today reviewed preparations to ensure seamless procurement, logistics and export under the MoU with Lulu Group.
The Chief Secretary examined every component of the action plan, with particular emphasis on ensuring seamless procurement, grading, sorting, packaging, transportation and timely export of the fruit. He sought updates on the quantity of fresh apricots being mobilised from different clusters, transportation arrangements from Leh and Kargil to Srinagar and onward to Delhi, and the preparedness of the designated aggregators involved in the supply chain.
He also reviewed the grading and sorting process, quality standards, rejection rates, and the reasons for any rejections, including issues relating to pest infestation, spoilage or non-conformity with export specifications. He directed the concerned departments and aggregators to minimise post-harvest losses through strict adherence to quality protocols and scientific handling practices.
Secretary Agriculture and Horticulture informed that a special cargo aircraft is scheduled to depart from Delhi for the UAE on July 14, carrying the first consignment of fresh apricots under the initiative. The Chief Secretary reviewed the flight schedule, cargo capacity and dispatch timeline, and directed all stakeholders to ensure that the product reaches Delhi well within the stipulated time frame.
Emphasising the importance of efficient logistics, Kundra reviewed transportation routes from various production clusters, including Sarchu, Zanskar, and instructed the Deputy Commissioners and all concerned agencies to closely monitor road conditions and coordinate with transport authorities to ensure the safe and timely movement of consignments to Srinagar and onward to Delhi. He also stressed the importance of contingency planning in view of possible road disruptions.
He also examined the cold chain infrastructure, including pre-cooling facilities, refrigerated transport, temperature maintenance protocols and certification procedures for the product.
Kundra further emphasised that Ladakh’s identity should be prominently reflected on the packaging of the exported produce, highlighting the region’s premium-quality apricots in international markets. He directed the concerned agencies to coordinate closely with Fair Exports, Lulu Group and other stakeholders to ensure compliance with packaging, branding and quality standards prescribed under the export agreement.
Agencies