Fruit growers in the valley are experiencing renewed optimism as fresh demand for Kashmiri apples surges across Indian markets, bringing much-needed relief and joy to the region’s apple-growing community.
Several growers said that after a sluggish demand during the peak harvesting season, demand for apples has picked up across the country, which allowed them to secure better prices and lifted the spirits of many growers.
Mohammad Yaqoob, a fruit grower from Shopian, said that during the peak season, apple boxes were selling at around Rs 600 to 800, but are now fetching between Rs 1,000 and 1,200. “Those who sold their produce earlier faced losses, but currently, growers are seeing good returns,” he said.
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Growers across Kashmir had been anxious this season as a combination of heatwaves and an extended dry spell impacted both fruit quality and overall yield. However, the current high demand for Kashmiri apples, known for their unique flavour and crispness, is creating a favourable market situation, offsetting the lower production for many growers.
Javid Ahmad, another fruit grower, said that while the majority of growers have already sold their produce, many are now sending their apples to market and receiving good returns. He added that flooding the market all at once lowers demand, and growers should time their sales based on market demand rather than personal preference.
Bashir Ahmad Bashir, president of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers and Dealers Association and the New Kashmir Fruit Association, said that production this year is down by around 30% due to erratic weather conditions in spring, including untimely heavy rains in April, followed by a prolonged dry spell and hailstorms in recent months.
He said that although demand is currently high across Indian markets, around 40% of the apple produce, including that in cold storage units, is yet to reach markets and is expected to yield handsome returns.
“Last year, production was also lower, but prices remained good throughout the season. This year, however, demand was initially low but has now picked up,” Bashir added.
Kashmir typically produces over 20 lakh metric tonnes of apples annually, sometimes reaching up to 25 lakh metric tonnes. According to the 2017 J&K economic survey, half of Kashmir’s population is directly or indirectly dependent on the apple industry, with over 3.5 lakh hectares under apple cultivation—(KNO)
