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
27 Sep 2024
Lorena Pinto Almeida, product manager for Stone Fruits and Cherries at A.N.A. Chile, shares images of the cv. Sweet Aryana (d) PA1UNIBO on the left and Santina on the right, taken on September 11, 2024, in a commercial orchard located in El Huique, Santa Cruz, VI Region, Chile.
26 May 2025
Tom Kon from North Carolina State University investigates chemical and cultural techniques to stimulate lateral branching and improve fruiting wood. Field trials show promising outcomes, though some methods remain labor-intensive or unsustainable.
23 Apr 2026
Corette® rootstocks by Agromillora show strong adaptability to Mediterranean soils in Spain. Trials highlight good yields, early production and suitability for intensive orchards, improving efficiency, fruit quality and long-term sustainability.
23 Apr 2026
A Tasmanian research project examines how rain covers alter orchard microclimates, analysing impacts on cherry quality, yield and tree growth. Findings will help growers manage hotter summers, extreme rainfall events and the increasing challenges of climate change.
