The horticulture season in Kashmir has commenced, marked by a surge in demand for pears and early apple varieties, according to the Kashmir News Observer (KNO). Favourable weather conditions have positively influenced the start of the fruit industry in the region, integral to the local economy. The pear harvest is experiencing strong interest from both local and national markets, with expectations for continued demand due to the quality of this year's crop.
"There is currently a good demand for pears across India. The rates are comparatively better and supply is also good," stated Parimpora Fruit Mandi president Bashir Ahmad Bashir. Early apple varieties are similarly witnessing heightened demand, with the anticipation of further interest as more varieties become available in September and October.
Ishaq Ahmad, a trader from Sopore fruit mandi, highlighted the daily dispatch of dozens of trucks to various Indian markets, primarily to New Delhi's Azadpur mandi. The recent rainfall has been timely, reviving the apple crop amidst a period of prolonged dry weather. Horticulture contributes eight percent to the Gross State Domestic Product of Jammu and Kashmir, with over 338,000 hectares of land dedicated to fruit cultivation, including 162,000 hectares for apple cultivation.
Source: ziraattimes.com