Apple growers in North Kashmir are celebrating a high-quality apple harvest this year, breaking a prolonged business slump caused by substandard pesticides and erratic weather.
The improved production is ensuring better returns and helping mitigate losses growers suffered over the years. Irshad Ahmad, an apple grower from Uskhara village in Baramulla district, expressed his satisfaction with this year’s crop.
“The production this year is good, fetching us excellent prices. This improvement follows four to five years of continuous losses due to substandard pesticides,” he said. Ahmad attributed the success to the use of better-quality pesticides, which significantly enhanced the yield and market value of apples.
Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, another grower, echoed similar sentiments, crediting the government’s efforts to provide better pesticides and the growers’ association for raising awareness. “Around 70% of the pesticides used this year were of standard quality, which improved the grading and quality of apples. These efforts translated into better rates for growers,” Bhat said.
Despite the year’s remarkable quality-with 90% of apples achieving top grades-growers are facing challenges from imported Iranian apples. The reduction in import duties has made it difficult for local producers to compete.
“The influx of imported goods has pushed prices down in the past 8-10 days. We urge the central government to impose a 100% import duty to protect domestic growers,” president fruit market Sopore, Fayaz Ahmad, said.
He added that although this year’s production was low, growers remain hopeful. “The good quality and fair rates are a blessing. However, the future of the horticulture sector depends on decisive government action to curb cheap imports and stabilize the market,” he said.
The Sopore fruit market in North Kashmir, Asia’s second-largest apple trading hub, remains a vital economic center. Spanning over 500 kanals, it supports thousands of workers and sustains the livelihoods of 75% of the Valley’s population. This market operates year-round and on peak days, it engages over 25,000 people serving as a cornerstone of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy. (Daily Excelsior)
