After enduring losses in recent years due to various challenges, Kashmiri fruit growers are finally finding hope as traditional apple varieties command higher prices in the market this season.
Growers from different parts of Kashmir said that there has been a significant increase in demand for traditional apple varieties compared to last year, resulting in substantial profits for farmers.
Javaid Ahmad, a fruit grower from Pulwama district, highlighted the contrast with the previous year when they struggled to sell their produce and earned minimal profits. This year, they are receiving offers from fruit businesses to buy their yield, and most orchards are fetching more than double the prices they received in different apple markets last year.
The growers credited swift and hassle-free government assistance for enabling smooth transportation of apple-laden trucks, leading to better returns. Traditional varieties like Kulu and Delicious have been particularly popular, experiencing high demand in various markets.
This development signifies a significant boost for an industry that has faced significant losses in recent years due to various challenges, according to the growers.
Basheer Ahmad, President of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union (KVFGCDU), acknowledged a reduction in production this year but emphasized that demand has remained steady and strong.
“While most traditional varieties are yet to be harvested, the current trend indicates a sustained high demand. If this demand continues throughout the year, it could provide substantial relief for this critical industry,” he stated.
On average, Kashmir produces over 20 lakh metric tonnes of apples annually, with figures occasionally reaching as high as 25 lakh metric tonnes.
According to the 2017 economic survey of J&K, approximately half of Kashmir’s population is directly or indirectly dependent on the apple industry, with over 3.5 lakh hectares dedicated to apple cultivation.”
