<p>Srinagar:<strong> </strong>Apple growers in Kashmir have been prompted to release their stored produce earlier than usual, following an increase in demand for the fruit across the country.</p><p>Traditionally, apple growers in Kashmir start releasing their produce from Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage facilities from mid February onwards. However, this year, with rising demand for Kashmir apples, growers have expedited the process a month ahead, ensuring that their high-quality apples reach markets as quickly as possible.</p><p>“The demand for apples has increased significantly this year. We’ve seen strong orders coming in from different parts of the country, and many of us have started transporting apples much earlier than usual to meet market expectations,” said Ali Mohammad Dar, an apple dealer from south Kashmir’s Shopian district.</p><p>Mohammad Amin Bhat, a dealer in Delhi’s Azadpur Mandi, echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the quality of this year’s crop is excellent. “Consumers are particularly seeking fresh, crisp apples from Kashmir, which is why growers are releasing their produce ahead of schedule,” Bhat explained.</p>.Train to Kashmir: CSR green light for running trains on Katra-Reasi section.<p>“As a result, growers are releasing apples much earlier than they normally would. This has been a win-win situation for both the growers and us,” Bhat added.</p><p>CA storage facilities, which are filled with apples harvested during the late summer and early autumn months, have seen a surge in activity as growers begin to transport their produce to outside valley markets.</p><p>Last year, about 20% of the apple harvest remained unsold in CA storage, largely due to competition from imported apples. The reduction of the import duty on Washington Apples by the central government in 2023 further impacted demand for local produce, leading to financial losses for Kashmiri growers.</p><p>However, this year, the early release is helping growers take advantage of higher prices and ensure fresh apples reach consumers before the winter season ends.</p><p>Bashir Ahmad Naikoo, President of the J&K Fruits and Vegetables Processing & Integrated Cold Chain Association (JKPICCA), has urged the government to conduct a feasibility study for expanding CA storage facilities in the Valley. </p>.No one dares to do mischief during Krishna Janmashtami procession in Kashmir now: Amit Shah.<p>“Currently, 90% of CA stores are in two districts of south Kashmir. There is a need to expand these facilities to other parts of the Valley to benefit more growers,” he said.</p><p>Kashmir accounts for about 78% of India’s annual apple production, totaling around 25-26 lakh metric tonnes (MTs). In Kashmir itself, apple farming is one of the primary sources of employment, engaging nearly 3.5 million farmers, which constitutes 27% of the Valley’s population. The export of apples thus contributes over 8% to the region’s GDP.</p>
<p>Srinagar:<strong> </strong>Apple growers in Kashmir have been prompted to release their stored produce earlier than usual, following an increase in demand for the fruit across the country.</p><p>Traditionally, apple growers in Kashmir start releasing their produce from Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage facilities from mid February onwards. However, this year, with rising demand for Kashmir apples, growers have expedited the process a month ahead, ensuring that their high-quality apples reach markets as quickly as possible.</p><p>“The demand for apples has increased significantly this year. We’ve seen strong orders coming in from different parts of the country, and many of us have started transporting apples much earlier than usual to meet market expectations,” said Ali Mohammad Dar, an apple dealer from south Kashmir’s Shopian district.</p><p>Mohammad Amin Bhat, a dealer in Delhi’s Azadpur Mandi, echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the quality of this year’s crop is excellent. “Consumers are particularly seeking fresh, crisp apples from Kashmir, which is why growers are releasing their produce ahead of schedule,” Bhat explained.</p>.Train to Kashmir: CSR green light for running trains on Katra-Reasi section.<p>“As a result, growers are releasing apples much earlier than they normally would. This has been a win-win situation for both the growers and us,” Bhat added.</p><p>CA storage facilities, which are filled with apples harvested during the late summer and early autumn months, have seen a surge in activity as growers begin to transport their produce to outside valley markets.</p><p>Last year, about 20% of the apple harvest remained unsold in CA storage, largely due to competition from imported apples. The reduction of the import duty on Washington Apples by the central government in 2023 further impacted demand for local produce, leading to financial losses for Kashmiri growers.</p><p>However, this year, the early release is helping growers take advantage of higher prices and ensure fresh apples reach consumers before the winter season ends.</p><p>Bashir Ahmad Naikoo, President of the J&K Fruits and Vegetables Processing & Integrated Cold Chain Association (JKPICCA), has urged the government to conduct a feasibility study for expanding CA storage facilities in the Valley. </p>.No one dares to do mischief during Krishna Janmashtami procession in Kashmir now: Amit Shah.<p>“Currently, 90% of CA stores are in two districts of south Kashmir. There is a need to expand these facilities to other parts of the Valley to benefit more growers,” he said.</p><p>Kashmir accounts for about 78% of India’s annual apple production, totaling around 25-26 lakh metric tonnes (MTs). In Kashmir itself, apple farming is one of the primary sources of employment, engaging nearly 3.5 million farmers, which constitutes 27% of the Valley’s population. The export of apples thus contributes over 8% to the region’s GDP.</p>