Following a period of political unrest in Bangladesh, the fruit industry in Kashmir has cautiously resumed its apple exports to the country, with a focus on the American Apple variety. This move comes after a phase of uncertainty that had a negative impact on trade, raising concerns among fruit growers and dealers in Kashmir.
In an interaction with Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Shahid Choudhary, a senior member of the Kashmir fruit growers body, expressed that the resumption of apple exports to Bangladesh offers a respite for the community. "It is a much-needed relief for both dealers and growers. The recent unrest in Bangladesh created uncertainty among all of us. We were unsure of any orders this year," Choudhary remarked.
The restart of the apple export trade to Bangladesh has been positively received by the growers and dealers, according to Choudhary. Bashir Ahmad Bashir, president of the apex fruit body in Kashmir, informed KNO that shipments of the American Apple variety have begun reaching the Bangladeshi market recently. While the export market is yet to fully recover, there is a sense of optimism for increased orders from Bangladeshi buyers in the future.
During the harvest season, numerous Bangladeshi apple traders visit Kashmir to purchase and fulfill the demand for Kashmiri apples in Bangladesh. Choudhary highlighted that Bangladesh is a key market for Kashmiri apples, particularly the American Apple variety, with over 70 percent of this produce exported to Bangladesh.
The Kashmir apple industry has been facing challenges, including an unprecedented crisis and low demand, following the Union finance ministry's decision last year to lift additional duties on certain imports. This decision has sparked calls from local politicians for the government to reconsider its stance to support the growers in Kashmir.
As apple revenue plays a large part in the GDP of J&K, fruit dealers have been advocating for a reduction in export duty on apples to enhance their ability to export to various countries.
Source: kno.com