Apple harvest begins on encouraging note in Valley

Srinagar, Sep 5: The apple harvesting season in Kashmir has begun on an encouraging note, with early varieties such as Gala and Kulu fetching good returns in the market, bringing relief to fruit growers who had faced significant challenges during the previous season.
Although harvesting has so far started mainly in the low-lying and comparatively warmer areas of the Valley, growers and traders said the initial market response has been positive. Kulu apples are currently fetching around Rs 1,200–1,400 per box, while demand for quality Gala apples has also remained encouraging.
Fruit growers said the early market trend has raised hopes of a better season, particularly after the uncertainty and losses witnessed last year.
Basheer Ahmad Basheer, President of the Fruit Growers Association Kashmir, said that the apple season has started on a positive note compared to last year.
“Unlike last year, when the closure of the highway badly affected the movement of fruit and growers suffered heavy losses, the market this year has started on an encouraging note. The demand is good, and growers are getting reasonable returns for their produce,” he said.
Basheer said growers were hopeful that the positive trend would continue as the harvesting season progresses across different parts of Kashmir.
“We are hopeful that the market will remain stable throughout the season. If the demand continues and transportation remains smooth, growers can expect handsome returns this year,” he said.
Another fruit grower from south Kashmir said the initial rates had provided some confidence to orchardists, particularly those cultivating early varieties.
“The beginning is certainly better than what we witnessed last year. Kulu is getting around Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,400 per box, and there is good demand for Gala as well. We hope the rates remain stable when harvesting picks up in the main apple-producing areas,” he said.
Growers, however, said the real picture of the season would become clearer once harvesting gains momentum in the major apple-producing belts, and the volume of arrivals increases in fruit markets.
They urged the authorities to ensure uninterrupted transportation, adequate market facilities and timely movement of fruit outside the Valley so that the initial positive trend is sustained.
“Good rates at the beginning of the season are encouraging, but what matters is whether growers continue to receive remunerative prices throughout the harvesting period. Smooth transportation and proper market management will be crucial,” another grower said.
Apple growers have also expressed hope that improved market conditions will help them recover some of the losses incurred in previous seasons and meet rising cultivation, labour, packaging and transportation costs. (KNO)