In Srinagar, fruit growers are experiencing a resurgence in profitability, particularly with traditional apple varieties, following a period of losses attributed to cold storage issues. The market's current demand for traditional apples has outpaced that of the previous year, aiding growers in offsetting past financial setbacks. Pulwama district's Sameer Ahmad highlighted the notable increase in orchard visits from fruit business operators, with rates for produce more than doubling compared to prior years. Varieties such as Kulu and Delicious are being distributed widely, with sustained demand potentially marking a significant recovery for the industry, which has faced numerous challenges in recent years.
Government efforts to facilitate smooth transportation of apple shipments have been acknowledged by growers, who remain optimistic about continued market demand. Despite a reduction in this year's apple production, the current demand has led to favorable pricing. The industry, pivotal to Kashmir's economy, relies heavily on apple cultivation, with an annual production averaging over 20 lakh metric tonnes. The economic impact of the apple industry in the region is substantial, supporting half of Kashmir's population either directly or indirectly, according to the 2017 J&K economic survey.
Source: Kashmir Vision