Srinagar, Jan 14: After months of uncertainty, low demand, and depressed prices during the main harvesting season, apple growers in Kashmir are finally witnessing a turnaround. The demand for the fruit in cold storage units has picked up further in wholesale markets, leading to an increase in rates and comparatively better returns for orchardists.
Growers told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the late-season improvement has come as a much-needed relief after one of the toughest apple seasons in recent years, marked by high input costs, erratic weather, and sluggish market movement during peak arrivals.
According to growers and traders, the demand for stored apples—particularly A-grade Delicious, Kullu Delicious, and premium varieties—has improved in mandis across Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and other major markets, pushing prices upward over the past few weeks.
“During the main season, we were selling apples at throwaway prices. Boxes that cost us Rs 500–800 to produce were selling for barely Rs 600,” said Abdul Rashid, an apple grower from Shopian. “Now the rates have improved, and rates have gone to Rs 1100-1800, and at least we are able to cover our costs and earn something for our labour.”
Growers recall that the peak harvesting period, especially between September and October, remained extremely challenging. Oversupply, reduced buying by traders, high transportation costs, and competition from imported apples and other fruits severely impacted prices, they said.
“Trucks remained stranded on the highway and mandis, payments were delayed, and demand was very weak,” said Ghulam Mohammad Dar, a grower from Sopore, one of Asia’s largest apple trade hubs. “Many farmers were forced to sell at distress rates because they had no storage facilities.”
Experts say that limited access to controlled atmosphere (CA) storage and cold storage units kept small and marginal farmers at a disadvantage, forcing them to sell immediately after harvest when prices are lowest.
Mehraj Ahmad, a fruit grower from Pulwama, said that Kashmir apples are now witnessing better demand, which has led to the early opening of cold storage units and currently rates are picking up with each passing day.
“Rates have gone up by Rs 500–Rs 1000 per box compared to the peak season,” said Farooq Ahmad, an orchardist from Pulwama. “If this demand had come earlier, growers would not have suffered any losses.”
They said that cold storage units have been opened recently, and there is much produce in cold storage units as of now, and growers are hopeful of continuous better returns
Apple cultivation remains the backbone of Kashmir’s rural economy, supporting nearly seven lakh families directly or indirectly. While the current rise in demand has brought relief, growers say long-term sustainability of the sector depends on policy support, better market access, and protection from volatile price swings—(KNO)
