Diplomat Correspondent
Kargil, DD, In a historic milestone for Ladakh’s horticulture sector, the Hon’ble Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jafar Akhoon, today flagged off the first major air shipment of fresh apricots to Mumbai.
The shipment, organized by Halman Apricot, comprises over 10 tons of premium-quality fresh apricots, carefully sourced from the picturesque villages of Batalik, Gargardo, Chulichan, Gongma Kargil, Baroo, and Gongma Minji. This initiative marks a significant leap in promoting Kargil’s unique horticultural produce in national markets and empowering local apricot growers.
Addressing the gathering during the flag-off ceremony, CEC Dr. Akhoon commended the efforts of Halman Apricot in establishing a direct and efficient supply chain between Kargil and India’s metropolitan cities.
“This shipment is a testament to the tremendous potential of Kargil’s horticulture sector and its ability to contribute meaningfully to the region’s economic development.
It ensures better price realization for our farmers and delivers high-quality, fresh produce directly to consumers,” Dr. Akhoon remarked.
Halman Apricot has taken a pioneering step in facilitating this large-scale export by leveraging air cargo, drastically reducing transit time and ensuring Ladakh’s prized apricots reach the market at their peak freshness.
The company also plans to expand its supply chain to other major Indian cities in the near future.
On the occasion, the CEO of Halman Apricot also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Pawan Kotwal, for approving the installation of a modern apricot dryer in Kargil at an estimated cost of ₹6.45 crore.
This facility is expected to significantly reduce post-harvest losses, extend the shelf life of apricots, and add substantial value to the local produce.
“The approval of the apricot dryer is a game-changer for Kargil’s farmers. It will drastically minimize wastage and open up new possibilities for apricot-based products and year-round supply,” the CEO said.
The flag-off event witnessed the presence of key dignitaries, including Executive Councillor Zakir Hussain, Councillor of Lankerchey Constituency Ghulam Haider, and Chief Horticulture Officer Kargil, Ali Raza, who collectively appreciated the collaborative effort and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting local agricultural entrepreneurship.
This initiative not only connects the traditional apricot-growing villages of Kargil directly to national markets but also strengthens the agricultural economy and brings national recognition to Ladakh’s rich horticultural and cultural heritage.DD
