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
26 May 2025
Plastic covers in cherry orchards cut losses to 5%, improve color, size and yield, enable earlier harvests and reduce production costs. A technical and strategic solution for cherry growers focused on fruit quality, sustainability, and long-term profitability.
14 Oct 2024
The sixth Global Cherry Summit will be held on April 22, 2025, at the Monticello Conference Center in San Francisco de Mostazal, Chile. The 2025 event marks a milestone in the history of the meeting with an expanded format and demand for participation growing.
07 Apr 2026
A University of Bologna study confirms the effectiveness of Europollen Zimex on Kordia cherries and Dori kiwi in Emilia-Romagna, showing improvements in fruit quality and fruit set, based on data collected in commercial orchards during the 2025 growing season.
07 Apr 2026
Multifunctional cherry covers affect microclimate, photosynthesis and yield. Trials in Emilia Romagna and Campania show that 20% shading improves plant water status, fruit growth and productivity while maintaining overall fruit quality under varying conditions.
