In India, the demand for Kashmiri apples has seen a decline over the past week, attributed to the influx of imported apples. According to the Kashmir News Observer (KNO), local fruit growers have expressed concerns over the falling demand and subsequent drop in prices, with reductions ranging between $1.18 to USD 2.37 per box. Mohammad Ayoub, a grower from Nagbal, Shopian, highlighted the fluctuating demand patterns, noting a recent decrease that has left growers apprehensive about potential losses.
Growers have previously sought intervention from the Union government to curb apple imports, aiming to protect the domestic market. Despite these efforts, the situation remains unchanged. The Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers cum Dealers Union, represented by Basheer Ahmad Basheer, reported a 10-20% decrease in demand for Kashmiri apples, attributing the decline to both the cold weather, which typically reduces apple consumption and the competition from imported apples. Basheer emphasized that a significant portion of the harvest, excluding those stored in cold units, has yet to reach the market, underscoring the urgency of addressing the import issue to support local growers.
Source: Ziraat Times