GILGIT: Two-day National Cherry Festival 2024 held at Rakaposhi View Point, in Ghulmat of District Nagar to celebrate the cherry harvest, attracted a large number of national and foreign tourists and local people.

The event aimed to explore agri-tourism potential, highlighted the region’s agricultural richness, cherry cultivation, harvest and cherry production and boost the tourism sector by showcasing the natural beauty of Rakaposhi View Point.

The event was organised by the NagarAgriculture Department in collaboration with the district administration.

Stalls and exhibitions of various varieties of cherries, traditional food, handicrafts, wooden carving items, crockery, herbal, oil, dry fruits, jam and gemstones and other traditional items stalls were displayed by local farmers and village organisations to sell their production.

Hundreds of local and foreign tourists visited the venue and purchased various items from local farmers. According to organisers, one of the cherry stalls sold cherries worth Rs60,000 in two days.

Gilgit-Baltistan governor Syed Mehdi Shah, GB additional chief secretary Aziz Ahmed Jamali, Secretary Food Safdar Khan and other officials also visited various stalls.

A participant said the event would help local farmers have access to national and international markets to sell their products.

“Not only local people but also the tourists had the opportunity to purchase products directly from local people at affordable rates,” he said.

Saira Mirza, a representative of the local support organisation said a large number of local farmers including women set up stalls of cherry, locally made handicrafts, wooden carving items, dairy products, dry fruits, apricot oil and other items.

She said this is an opportunity for women to empower themselves economically, and the women have an opportunity to access national and international markets to sell their products.

“Local can get economic platforms and awareness of agri-tourism benefits from such events,” he said.

It was an example to show the world how local people including women economically benefit while maintaining their traditional and cultural life.

Nagar Deputy Commissioner Ataur Rehman said the cherry festival had become a permanent feature of Nagar.

He said Nagarhad produced approximately 2,000 tons of cherry this year, mostly the local cherry being sold in other parts of the country at a marginal rate.

Ataur Rehman said the local cherry rates in other countries are high, and cherries export from GB to China through Khunjerab pass has already started.

“With consultation of local people, local administration has proposed to establish a food processing plant so that we can export cherries of the international standard. In this way farmers get a high rate and increase their production. With consultation of stakeholders hybrid farming and modern technology methods should also be introduced for more cultivation of cherries, he said.

Published in Dawn, June 25th, 2024