Srinagar, Jun 04 (KNO): Kashmir's cherry season continue to go on a promising note, with newly introduced imported varieties continuing to command premium prices in wholesale and retail markets across the Valley.
According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) although erratic weather conditions during the flowering stage have reduced overall production this year, growers and traders remain optimistic as strong market demand is ensuring attractive returns.
The early-ripening cherry cultivars, particularly those imported from Italy and Bulgaria, have already reached markets and are fetching significantly higher prices compared to previous years. Their arrival has provided a boost to growers at a time when traditional cherry varieties are still nearing maturity and awaiting harvest.
Fruit trader Irfan Ahmad from the Fruit Mandi in Shopian said that despite lower production caused by adverse weather during the flowering period, market rates have remained highly encouraging.
“Production has declined this year because of unfavorable weather conditions during flowering. However, the market is responding positively. On Thursday, cherries were sold at rates ranging between Rs 150 and Rs 300 per kilogram. As the season progresses and demand increases, prices are expected to rise further and may even cross Rs 500 per kilogram,” he said.
The imported varieties have gained popularity among growers due to their ability to withstand light and moderate rainfall, a critical advantage in Kashmir's unpredictable weather conditions. Traditional cherry varieties are highly susceptible to rain damage, which often affects fruit quality, appearance and market value.
Growers say the staggered ripening pattern of the imported cultivars is another major advantage. Unlike conventional varieties that mature almost simultaneously and flood markets within a short period, the newer cultivars ripen gradually, ensuring a more balanced supply and helping growers secure better prices over an extended period.
Basheer Ahmad Basheer, President of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers and Dealers Union, said the rates are going on good despite reduced output due to weather conditions and recent hailstorms were salts were salt on the wounds of growers.
“Overall production is lower this year, but prices have been encouraging from the very beginning of the season. We expect rates to improve further in the coming weeks as demand picks up and more varieties enter the market,” Basheer said.
He added that the arrival of imported varieties has extended the harvesting season, creating additional employment opportunities for both local workers and migrant labourers engaged in picking, grading, packing and transportation activities.
According to growers, the traditional cherry harvest generally begins in mid-June and continues until early July. However, the introduction of imported cultivars has effectively stretched the harvesting period to nearly two months, allowing growers to market their produce over a longer duration and avoid distress sales.
Despite the increasing popularity of imported cherries, traditional varieties continue to dominate Kashmir's production landscape. Basheer said nearly 70 percent of the Valley's cherry output still comes from conventional cultivars such as Siyah, Makhmali, Awal Number, Jadi, Holland, Double, Mishry, Splendor and Steela.
“These traditional varieties are renowned for their superior taste, colour, crunch and quality. As harvesting begins in the coming days, growers are hopeful they will receive equally rewarding prices,” he said.
Jammu and Kashmir remains India's leading cherry-producing region, with annual production exceeding 1.5 lakh metric tonnes. More than 2,300 hectares of land across the Union Territory are under cherry cultivation, with Shopian, Ganderbal and Srinagar emerging as major production hubs.
As traditional orchards prepare for harvest and market demand remains robust, growers across Kashmir are hopeful that the 2026 cherry season will deliver healthy returns despite the challenges posed by weather-related losses earlier in the year—(KNO)