Better roads, expansion of controlled atmosphere result in rise of Kashmir apples export

This surge in exports has contributed over Rs 12,000 crore in revenue, underscoring the impact of enhanced road connectivity and the expansion of Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage facilities in Kashmir.

Srinagar: A significant rise in the export of Kashmir apples has been recorded, with 2,000 metric tons of the fresh fruit being shipped to markets outside the valley between January 2024 and January 2025.

This surge in exports has contributed to over Rs 12,000 crore in revenue, underscoring the impact of enhanced road connectivity and the expansion of Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage facilities in Kashmir.

For a long time, Kashmir has been known for its crisp and flavourful apples. However, the recent growth in export volume is attributed to substantial improvements in infrastructure and technology.

The new four-lane roads and tunnels have made the travel from Srinagar to Jammu much smoother and reduced the travel time almost by half.

The introduction of CA stores—innovative storage systems that extend the shelf life of apples—has allowed for better preservation and transportation, enabling the fruit to reach distant markets in peak condition.

Apples kept in cold-storage units in Kashmir help growers to fetch much better rates by selling their production according to their will and market demand.

Bashir Ahmed Basheer, President of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers and Dealers Association said timely transportation of apples to outside markets has provided an economic boost to local farmers, many of whom rely on apple cultivation as their primary source of income.

“The total export value has exceeded Rs 12,000 crore, with some stock still in cold storage,” he said and expressed satisfaction with the favourable rates in markets across the country.

Fayaz Ahmad Dar, an apple dealer from south Kashmir’s Shopian district said the expansion of road networks has reduced transit times and making it easier for exporters to reach wider markets. “The completion of some road projects connecting remote orchards to larger highways has made transportation more efficient and cost-effective,” he said.

Kashmir accounts for about 78 per cent of India’s annual apple production and apple farming is one of the primary sources of employment, engaging nearly 3.5 million farmers, which constitutes 27 per cent of the Valley’s population. The export of apples thus contributes over 8 per cent to the region’s GDP.