Leh, April 16, 2026: In a major boost to Ladakh’s horticulture sector, the UT Administration has signed a landmark MoU with UAE-based Lulu Retail for the global export of 1000 metric tonnes of apricots this season, marking a massive leap from just 1500 kg exported over the past two years.
The initiative, driven by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, aims to promote Ladakh’s GI-tagged “Raktsey Karpo” and the region-specific Halman apricot varieties in international markets. The MoU was signed through APEDA and the Ministry of Food Processing Industries.
Under the agreement, Lulu Retail will procure apricots directly from farmers, handling plucking, sorting, processing, packaging, and global marketing—reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring better pricing.
Calling the initiative “historic,” the Lieutenant Governor said it would not only boost farmers’ incomes but also strengthen Ladakh’s identity on the global stage. He added that efforts are underway to expand exports to other produce, including apples, and to establish local processing units to enhance value addition.
Saxena also announced plans for a dedicated Ladakh e-commerce platform to provide farmers direct market access, similar to major online marketplaces.
