New market for Gilgit-Baltistan cherries, Pakistan: first shipments to China

10 Jun 2024
3105

With a Chinese market worth 3 billion dollars and an annual demand of about 350,000 tons of cherries, this development is set to revolutionize the agricultural landscape for cherry growers in Gilgit-Baltistan.

On June 5, the first shipment of six tons of fresh cherries was sent to China in a reefer container, announced the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP).

This important milestone marks the beginning of a promising export relationship between Pakistan and China, facilitated by the phytosanitary agreement signed between the two countries in 2022. This agreement granted China access to the Pakistani market for the export of fresh cherries, opening up a new opportunity for local growers.

With a Chinese market worth 3 billion dollars and an annual demand of about 350,000 tons of cherries, this development is set to revolutionize the agricultural landscape for cherry growers in Gilgit-Baltistan. The region, known for its high-quality cherries, will greatly benefit from this new export avenue.

Over 100 cherry orchards, along with a cold storage and a packing center in Rahimabad, Gilgit, are now registered with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC). This registration ensures that the cherries meet the stringent quality and safety standards required by the Chinese market, thereby guaranteeing the best prices for Pakistani farmers.

According to the Department of Agriculture of Gilgit-Baltistan, the region produces about 5,000 tons of cherries per season. The new access to the Chinese market is expected to significantly boost this production, as more farmers will adopt advanced agricultural practices and improve cultivation techniques to meet the high demand.

The CEO of TDAP, Zubair Motiwala, expressed optimism about the future of cherry exports from Pakistan. “The growers will be the main beneficiaries of cherry exports,” he stated, highlighting the efforts of TDAP and PHDEC to fully capitalize on the vast Chinese market, which has a population of 1.2 billion people. This development not only promises increased income for farmers but also positions Pakistan as a key player in the global cherry market."

Source: Pamir Times
Image: SL Fruit Service


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

The role of yeasts in the life cycle of Drosophila suzukii

Crop protection

07 Oct 2024

Drosophila melanogaster is linked to Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the yeast commonly used in bread-making, and D. suzukii is linked to Pichia terricola, Pichia kluyveri and Hanseniaspora uvarum. Previous studies identified H. uvarum on both infested grape and raspberry fruits.

Valente Pali: support and protection to guarantee a generous, high-quality harvest

Covers

07 Nov 2025

ValenteProtect© systems provide protection from rain, hail and insects, helping cherry growers secure abundant, healthy and market-ready harvests. Rain, Multishield and Insect Net systems ensure complete seasonal protection for top-quality yields.

In evidenza

Green nanotechnology: zinc oxide for sustainable crop protection

Crop protection

25 Feb 2026

A study published in Plant Nano Biology evaluates zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized from Artemisia annua against Fusarium equiseti in sweet cherry. Results show a strong reduction of postharvest rot, highlighting a sustainable and innovative strategy for crop protection.

Chile: cherry exports down in January 2026, China leads

Markets

25 Feb 2026

In January 2026, Chile’s cherry exports fell to 1.227 billion dollars, below the record levels of 2024 and 2025. China absorbed 88% of total shipments, while the 2025/26 season posted lower figures compared with the previous campaign and the recent overall export trend.

Tag Popolari