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
08 Mar 2024
The project involves the development of traps using new attractants, smart sensors and artificial intelligence. The aim is to minimise the use of insecticides in agriculture with a more environmentally and economically sustainable strategy.
16 Feb 2026
Drosophila suzukii threatens soft fruit production in Africa. Research on Metarhizium anisopliae highlights the strong performance of isolate ICIPE 78, showing rapid mortality, horizontal transmission and fly attraction, offering sustainable pest control strategies.
20 Feb 2026
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture (Canada) publishes a technical guide on the cultivation and pruning of stone and pome fruit trees. Focus on peach, plum, sweet cherry and pear trees, with guidance on work efficiency, crop load management and disease control.
20 Feb 2026
A Bulgarian study compares the SLECI system with drip irrigation in sweet cherry orchards. Water use reduced up to 14 times with similar yields and higher irrigation water productivity. A sustainable solution for drought-prone areas with limited energy resources.
