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
13 Jun 2023
The water supply during the fruit-growing season is directly correlated with fruit growth and yield, thereby allowing fruit to reach the appropriate size at harvest. Conversely, excessive preharvest water supplies may negatively impact the fruit storabilty.
10 Feb 2025
Omeg found that management involves fewer passes, no tying and no limb selection during the growing season. He also noted that it is more tolerant to heat and rain after comparing blocks placed side by side in different climates.
28 Jan 2026
Areko shines among Chilean cherries thanks to its excellent condition after 40 days of cold storage. Promoted by ANA Chile, this variety joins Sweet Saretta and Sweet Stephany, two promising UNIBO cherries with strong performance in size, firmness, and post-harvest durability.
28 Jan 2026
Embryo rescue is a key technique to improve early sweet cherry propagation by overcoming embryo abortion. A study from Washington State University explores culture media, hormones, and fruit stages to enhance in vitro germination with promising outcomes.
