The start of the apple harvest in the Kashmir Valley marks a critical period for local farmers and industry participants, with a focus on the Grade 'A' Gala Mast variety cultivated in high-density orchards, particularly within the Kupwara and Shopian districts. Concerns have been raised by stakeholders regarding the competitive pressure from apple imports from Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and other Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), prompting calls for support to the domestic apple sector to avert a potential downturn.
Interactions with local apple industry stakeholders reveal a mixed outlook. Abdul Majid Dar, an apple grower from Shopian, highlighted the challenges faced by local producers, including reduced demand for domestic apples in favor of imports and a misconception regarding the quality of local produce. Dar emphasized the importance of governmental intervention to safeguard the local apple industry and promote domestic consumption over imported alternatives.
Another industry participant, involved in the packaging of Kashmiri apples, pointed out the labor challenges within the sector, including the recruitment of non-local workers due to dissatisfaction with local employment conditions. This situation underscores the broader implications for the livelihoods of local Kashmiris within the apple industry. The participant also criticized government policies that facilitate the entry of imported apples, adversely affecting domestic sales. The packaging operations described include advanced facilities for washing, drying, and grading apples, catering to both traditional and modern packaging methods.
The apple sector in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) represents a significant source of income, with the Department of Horticulture actively introducing initiatives such as the high-density plantation scheme to support apple farmers. This scheme, launched in 2021 and slated to continue until March 2026, exemplifies the efforts to enhance the productivity and profitability of apple farming in the region.
Source: Brighter Kashmir