Srinagar, Aug 05: Apple growers across Kashmir have begun this year’s harvest with renewed optimism, as favourable weather during the fruit development stage and better orchard management have improved the quality of the crop, raising hopes of a stronger season after successive years marked by erratic weather and market uncertainties.
Harvesting of early varieties has started in parts of Shopian, Pulwama, Kulgam, Baramulla and Sopore, while the main commercial varieties, including Delicious, are expected to reach markets later this month and in September.
The apple industry, which supports nearly 3.5 million people directly and indirectly and contributes significantly to Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, is expected to witness brisk trading if weather conditions remain favourable during the harvesting period.
Growers, however, remain cautious as intermittent rainfall forecast over the coming days could affect harvesting operations and transportation.
“We are happy with the fruit size and colour this year. The orchards have responded well despite occasional spells of rain. If the weather remains stable during harvesting and transport, growers can expect good returns,” said Ghulam Mohammad Dar, an orchardist from Shopian.
Another grower from Sopore, Abdul Rashid Mir, said the crop quality is encouraging but farmers are keeping a close watch on market prices.
“Production looks better than last year in many orchards. Our biggest concern is getting remunerative prices and ensuring that the fruit reaches outside markets without delays. The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway is our lifeline,” he said.
Officials of the Department of Horticulture said the crop is progressing satisfactorily across major apple-producing districts and that field officers are regularly monitoring orchards.
Director Horticulture Kashmir, Vikas Anand, said the department has intensified field visits and advisory services to help growers maintain fruit quality.
“Initial reports from the field indicate that the crop quality is good in most apple-growing areas. Growers are being advised on harvesting practices, grading and disease management to ensure quality produce reaches the markets,” he said.
Officials said growers have also benefited from scientific pruning, better nutrient management and integrated pest management practices introduced over the past few years.
The department has urged farmers to harvest fruits at proper maturity, avoid premature picking and use standard packaging to fetch better prices in domestic markets.
Traders said demand for Kashmir apples is expected to remain strong across major mandis, although prices will ultimately depend on arrivals from other apple-producing states and the overall market supply.
Experts said efficient transportation will be crucial this season. They stressed the need to ensure uninterrupted movement of fruit-laden trucks on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway and the continued use of rail-based freight services to minimise delays and post-harvest losses.
Last season, rail transportation emerged as an important alternative, helping thousands of apple boxes reach markets outside Jammu and Kashmir more efficiently during periods of highway disruption.
With harvesting set to intensify over the coming weeks, growers are hoping that favourable weather, smooth logistics and stable market prices will translate into better incomes, making this season a welcome turnaround for Kashmir’s multi-crore apple industry after years of weather-related challenges.
