Srinagar, Sep 14 (KNO): Better demand for Kashmir apples in major markets across the country has brought smiles back to the faces of fruit growers, with quality produce fetching significantly better returns than last year and raising hopes of recovering at least part of the losses suffered during the previous season.
Apple harvesting has picked up in low-lying areas of Kashmir, while harvesting in higher belts is yet to begin. At present, Kulu and early Delicious varieties are being harvested, while harvesting of traditional Delicious varieties is expected to begin in around 15 days.
Growers and traders said the market response so far has been encouraging, particularly for premium-quality fruit. Premium apples are currently fetching around Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 per box, while good-quality boxes are being sold for around Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500.
The prevailing rates are a major improvement over last year, when even quality produce was fetching only around Rs 300 to Rs 700 per box amid weak demand and difficulties in transporting fruit to outside markets.
Mohammad Yousuf, a grower from Chitragam in Shopian, told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the improvement in demand has come as a major relief for orchardists.
"Last year, growers suffered huge losses. The highway remained a major concern and demand was also weak, because of which even good-quality apples did not fetch satisfactory prices. This year, the demand is encouraging and the rates for quality fruit are much better," he said.
Yousuf said growers were now hopeful that the improved market conditions would help them compensate for at least some of the losses incurred during the previous season.
"Apple cultivation involves huge expenditure on labour, fertilisers, pesticides and other inputs. When the crop does not fetch a proper price, the entire family suffers. The rates we are getting this year have given growers some confidence," he added.
Abbas Ahmad, a grower from Dachnipora, Anantnag, said demand from markets outside Jammu and Kashmir had improved and growers were benefiting from better returns.
"Markets like Delhi, Jaipur and Bengaluru are showing good demand for Kashmir apples. If this demand continues and transportation remains smooth, this can be a much better season for growers," he said.
Meanwhile, the improved market conditions have also prompted some growers in lower belts to harvest apples prematurely in an attempt to take advantage of the current demand.
Fruit traders have cautioned growers against such practices, saying apples picked before attaining proper maturity and colour often fail to command premium prices.
"Demand is certainly good, but growers should not misunderstand the situation. The market is demanding quality apples, not immature fruit. If apples are harvested prematurely, their size, colour, taste and keeping quality can suffer, and ultimately the grower may get a lower rate," said Mohammad Ashraf Mir, a trader from Fruit Mandi Pulwama.
Lateef Ahmad, another trader from Fruit Mandi Jablipora, said growers could benefit more by allowing the fruit to mature properly instead of rushing it to the market.
"Even if demand falls slightly later, good-quality apples will continue to find buyers. Quality produce always has an advantage in the market. Premature harvesting may give an immediate opportunity, but it can affect the final return," he said.
Growers said transportation has so far remained relatively smooth on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway (NH-44), which is another positive development compared to the difficulties faced during the previous season.
"Last year, highway disruptions added to our problems when the crop was ready for market. This year, transportation is going well so far. We hope there are no major disruptions during the peak harvesting period," Yousuf said.
As harvesting gradually moves from the lower belts towards the higher reaches, growers are hoping that the present demand remains stable through the season. With traditional Delicious varieties expected to enter the market in the coming weeks, growers said sustained demand, fair prices and uninterrupted transportation would be crucial to making the season financially rewarding.
It is pertinent to mention here that more than half of the population in Kashmir are directly or indirectly dependent on the fruit industry—(KNO)