In a first for Uttarakhand, the state government has exported 1.2 metric tonnes of apples from Pauri Garhwal to the United Arab Emirates, with an additional sea shipment of 8 metric tonnes already in the pipeline. The move marks Uttarakhand’s debut in apple exports, long dominated by Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, the country’s largest producers. The consignment featured the state’s premium King Roat variety, positioned as Grade A apples for international markets.
Officials from the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), which facilitated the shipment, described it as a trial aimed at testing viability and building linkages to overseas markets. “After assessment, we will ascertain if expansion is possible. The Uttarakhand government wanted to attempt to enter the markets with its grade A apples,” an official said. He further revealed that a sea shipment of 8,000 kg from Harsil is also planned, adding that the region’s apple varieties benefit from a longer shelf life.
According to APEDA, the trial shipment will serve as a learning exercise to refine cold chain management, post-harvest handling, and logistics. The authority noted that beyond the UAE, export destinations are likely to expand to Southeast Asia and Europe in the coming years, offering new opportunities for Uttarakhand’s farmers to integrate into global markets.
