In a significant development, apple growers in Kashmir are facing financial challenges due to a continuous decline in the prices of their produce. This situation has led many to cease packing operations for their stored apples. The decision comes as growers and traders encounter lower rates, exacerbating financial pressures. Cold storage unit employees have observed that, with facilities overflowing with unpacked apples, the market downturn has left growers and traders with difficult decisions, halting packing operations to try and minimize losses.
Experts attribute the declining market to various factors, including the import of apples from countries such as Africa and Iran, highlighting the need for strategic interventions to stabilize the market and protect the livelihoods of those involved in the apple trade. Shahid Ahmad, a cold storage unit employee, noted the disparity between purchase prices during the peak season and the current selling rates, which have significantly dropped, underscoring the growers' and traders' financial strain.
With the current rates for a box of apples falling to Rs 600-650 from the previous Rs 1200-1500, growers storing their produce in Controlled Atmosphere (CA) stores are facing substantial losses. There is a call for government intervention to prevent a loss of confidence in this crucial sector.
[ Rs 100 = €1.10 ]
Source: kashmirpatriot.com