Srinagar, Jan 03 (KNO): After months of uncertainty and distress sales during the peak harvest season, demand for Kashmiri apples has begun to show a noticeable improvement with the gradual opening of Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage facilities, raising hopes of better returns among growers across the Valley.
As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), officials associated with the Horticulture Department and CA storage units said that for now, apples stored in the corridor spaces of CA units are being released into markets, while the main CA chambers have also started opening in a phased manner. These developments have already resulted in improved demand and comparatively better prices.
“In routine practice, apples kept in corridor spaces are stored under basic arrangements, where fans help circulate air and temperatures are maintained at a minimum level. These are not fully controlled conditions like the main CA chambers,” an official explained.
He added that the main CA chambers, which offer advanced regulation of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and temperature to preserve fruit quality for longer periods, are now being opened gradually to ensure a steady market supply. “The idea is to avoid oversupply and maintain price stability,” the official said.
Currently many CA stores have already opened their main chambers as demand for apples have surged and growers have been getting better returns.
Growers said the improvement in demand has come as a relief after a challenging main season marked by weak market response and low prices. Many farmers had refrained from selling their produce during harvest due to unviable rates and instead opted to store apples in CA corridors.
“The rates during the peak season were extremely disappointing. Selling then would have meant selling at a loss,” said Bashir Ahmad, an apple grower from Shopian district in South Kashmir. “That is why many of us chose to store apples in CA corridors, even though they don’t offer the same level of protection as main chambers.”
According to growers and traders, the strategy is now showing positive results. With demand picking up in outside markets, prices have improved considerably.
“At present, a 15-kg box is fetching between Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,500, depending on the variety and quality,” said a grower from Sopore in north Kashmir. “Compared to the rates we were offered during the harvest season this is a significant improvement and gives us some breathing space.”
Despite the positive trend, growers have urged CA operators to ensure a regulated and systematic release of apples from storage units. “If apples from the main CA chambers are released too quickly, the market could again face oversupply, leading to a crash in prices,” warned Ghulam Rasool, a fruit dealer associated with the Bijbehara fruit mandi.
“A phased release is crucial to maintain demand and ensure fair returns for farmers.”
Growers echoed similar concerns, stressing that careful market management will determine whether the current improvement is sustained.
“We are hopeful now, but the situation remains delicate,” Sameer Ahmad said. “If supply is managed well and demand from outside markets remains strong, growers may be able to recover at least part of the losses we suffered earlier.”
With the opening of CA main chambers underway and more fruit expected to reach markets in the coming days, apple growers across Kashmir are optimistic that the worst phase of the season is behind them and that better days may still lie ahead—(KNO)