Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Oct 14: After facing over a month of sluggish demand and falling prices, apple growers in Kashmir are finally witnessing some relief as rates have started to climb.
According to traders and farmers, the demand for Kashmiri apples has improved over the past week, pushing prices up by nearly 30 per cent.
Bashir Ahmad Basheer, president of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union, said the turnaround has brought a glimmer of hope to the community after weeks of distress.
“The rates have started going up as demand has increased in various markets outside Kashmir. We expect prices to improve further in the coming days, which could help growers recover at least part of the losses they suffered earlier,” he said.
Basheer added that the government’s “indifference” towards the crisis faced by orchardists has deepened their financial woes.
“A majority of the growers have already suffered heavy losses this season due to low demand, poor rates, highway closure, freight rise and other issues. Unfortunately, the government has so far failed to provide any compensation or relief,” he said.
Local farmers echoed similar concerns, expressing cautious optimism about the current rise in rates but warning that recovery may still take time.
Abdul Rashid, an apple grower from Shopian, said that the last month was “one of the worst” in recent years.
“We were forced to sell apples at throwaway prices. The rates were so low that they didn’t even cover transport and packaging costs. Now, with the demand improving, we are hopeful the next few weeks will be better,” he said.
Another grower, Mohammad Yousuf from Sopore, said many farmers had to delay sales in the hope of better prices. “Those who stored their apples are now in a better position as the market has started responding. If the demand continues to rise, it could bring some relief to us,” he said.
Traders in the other fruit mandis also confirmed an uptick in market activity. They said demand from many Indian states has improved slightly due to festive season needs, leading to higher prices for A- and B-grade apples.
Experts believe the next few weeks will be crucial for the fruit market, as consistent demand could stabilise rates and help offset the losses growers incurred earlier in the season.
Meanwhile, farmers have reiterated their appeal to the government for compensation and support, saying the horticulture sector—one of the backbones of Kashmir’s economy—needs urgent attention to prevent long-term distress—(KNO)
