India: Kashmir witnesses 6000 metric ton rise in cherry production
According to the President of New Kashmir Fruit Association Parimpora Mandi, Basheer Ahmad Basheer there has been a sale of 6000 metric tonnes of cherries.
“So far, there has been a business of around 6000 metric tonnes of cherries which has fetched as sales of Rs 480000. We still have 15 more days left in this season. The sales will further increase,” said Basheer.
“Cherry demand outside the state is more and we are exporting cherries outside,” Basheer said adding that the production got delayed due the rains. “This year the rains also affected the production due to which we had to start the harvest the crop from May 25 which was earlier scheduled to be started on 7th may. However the sale has surprisingly shown boom,” Basheer added.
The cherry production in the valley starts from May and continues till July 15. Dara, Kangan, Shopian Tangmarg, are the main areas where cherries are grown.
Having good demand for this fruit at good prices, the growers and vendors are happy with the cherry production.
“We are witnessing good sale of cherries this year. Rain had delayed the production but we expect more sales in the coming 15 days,” said Gul Ahmad, a fruit vendor in city centre Lal Chowk.
Another vendor, Tariq Ahmad said, “People are buying cherries in bulk to store for many days in this holy month of Ramadan. So the sale expectations are quite high.”
The exporters said that demand of the cherries in the Indian markets is also high which has increased its export.
“This year, the cherry exports have increased as compared to last year,” said Shahjahan, an exporter of cherries.
Meanwhile, the officials say that the increase in the area under cherry cultivation has led to the rise in the production.
“The land under cherry cultivation is increasing which has raised cherry production. The area of production that includes Tangmarg, Dhaara, Nishat belt is also one important factor for increase in production. Awareness to farmers to maintain production also provides good platform for cherry production,” said Akhter Hussain, Deputy Director Horticulture.
With a total area of 3699 hectares being used for cherry cultivation, a major belt is in the outskirts of Srinagar city that includes Dhaara, Brein, Zakira, Harwan.
The horticulture sector is a major contributor to the economy of Jammu and Kashmir. Besides cherries, other fruits such as apples, pears, walnuts and almonds are the major commercial crops of the State.
Source: risingkashmir.com