Shopian, Feb 25: Encouraging prices in wholesale markets outside Jammu and Kashmir have prompted apple growers and traders to sell their produce early, well ahead of the holy month of Ramadhan.
Last year, farmers faced heavy losses when apple prices stagnated until April, forcing them to sell at reduced rates. This year, with a more favorable market, growers are swiftly offloading their stock stored in Controlled Atmosphere (CA) facilities across the Valley.
According to Mohamad Ashraf Wani, President of Fruit Mandi Shopian, a 10 kg box of the Delicious variety is currently fetching between Rs 950 to Rs 1000, while a 14 kg carton is priced between Rs 1400 to Rs 1500. He noted that market trends have remained positive, encouraging early sales.
Farmers believe that prices may continue to rise, but many are choosing to sell now to avoid potential losses due to rising temperatures outside the Valley.
So far, at least one lakh metric tons of stored apples have been sold across India’s wholesale markets. “Out of the 2 to 2.5 lakh metric tons stocked in CA storage this season, a significant portion has already been dispatched,” Wani added.
Weather Woes & Production Decline
Official estimates place the 2024-2025 apple production at 20.3 lakh metric tons, mirroring last year’s yield. However, orchardists argue that the actual production was 10 to 15 percent lower due to a prolonged dry spell and erratic weather between February and April 2024.
“The rainfall deficit significantly impacted apple production,” said Mushtaq Ahmad, an orchardist from Shopian. “However, the current market rates are helping us recover losses.”
From June 1 to September 25, 2024, Jammu and Kashmir recorded a 35 percent rainfall deficit, with Shopian experiencing an alarming 81 percent shortfall. J&K received 352.7 mm of rainfall instead of the normal 542.7 mm, leading to a surge in pests such as Leaf Miner, Green Aphid, and Wooly Aphid.
These adverse conditions not only affected the quality of the fruit but also shortened its shelf life, noted Tariq Ahmad Mir, another apple grower. “We are hoping for adequate rainfall this season to ensure a better harvest next year,” he added.
Despite climatic challenges, Kashmiri apple farmers are capitalizing on the current market boom, ensuring their produce reaches buyers at profitable rates before Ramadhan.
