Italian, Bulgarian cherries fetch premium prices in Kashmir

Srinagar, May 20: The cultivation of imported cherry varieties from Italy and Bulgaria is emerging as a profitable venture for growers in Kashmir, with farmers reporting encouraging market prices and improved resistance to erratic weather conditions compared to traditional cultivars.
While the Valley’s conventional cherry varieties are yet to arrive in markets, the early-ripening imported cultivars have already begun generating returns for orchardists in several districts, particularly in Pulwama and Shopian.
Growers said that the imported cherries are currently selling between Rs 200 and Rs 300 per kilogram in local markets, giving much-needed financial relief to orchardists after years of fluctuating prices and weather-related losses.
Asif Ahmad, a cherry grower from Pulwama, said that despite a decline in overall production this year, the rates have remained favourable, raising hopes among farmers.
“This season, the crop is much less compared to normal years, but the prices are quite encouraging,” Ahmad said. “Both imported and traditional Siyah varieties are fetching good rates in the market. If prices continue to remain stable, growers may be able to recover some of the losses caused by the lower production.”
He said the imported varieties have also helped farmers diversify their orchards and reduce risks linked to unpredictable weather patterns. “The biggest advantage is that these cherries are more resistant to light rainfall. Traditional cherries can crack very quickly after rain, which affects their quality and market value,” he added.
Irfan Ahmad, a grower from Shopian, said the staggered harvesting pattern of the imported cultivars is proving beneficial for growers as it prevents market oversupply.
“Traditional varieties usually ripen together within a short period, forcing growers to sell quickly before the fruit perishes,” Irfan Ahmad said. “But the imported varieties mature in phases, which ensures a continuous supply to the market and helps maintain better prices.”
He added that the longer harvesting season has also created additional employment opportunities for labourers associated with cherry orchards. “Earlier, the harvesting season would last only a few weeks, but now the work extends for nearly two months because of these imported varieties. It benefits both orchard owners and workers,” he said.
President of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers and Dealers Union, Bashir Ahmad Basheer, said the market response this year has been positive despite a noticeable decline in production.
“This year’s cherry output is nearly 50 per cent less than the normal production due to weather-related factors, but the market rates are very good,” Basheer said. “If the prices continue at this level during the peak season, it will help growers compensate for the losses caused by the reduced yield.”
He said growers are optimistic as traditional varieties, including Makhmali, Siyah, Awal Number, Jadi, Holland, Double, Mishry, Splendor and Steela are expected to arrive in markets in the coming weeks.
Basheer further stated that although imported varieties currently occupy a smaller share in Kashmir’s cherry industry, their popularity is steadily increasing because of their weather tolerance and better market timing.
According to official figures, Jammu and Kashmir produces more than 1.5 lakh metric tonnes of cherries annually, making it the leading cherry-producing region in India. More than 2,300 hectares of land in the Union Territory are presently under cherry cultivation, with Shopian, Srinagar and Ganderbal among the major producing districts. (KNO)