By: Yaqoob Lala
Srinagar, Oct 30 (KINS): The bustling Sopore fruit Mandi in North Kashmir has achieved remarkable success this apple season, dispatching over 9 lakh metric tons of fruit valued at more than 6,000 crores.
With the peak of the apple harvest in full swing, the mandi is currently loading around 300 trucks daily, transporting fresh produce to buyers across India and beyond.
“We have around 24 lakh metric tons of produce here at the Sopore Fruit Mandi,” said Kaka Ji, the mandi’s President, in an interview with news agency KINS.
“This year alone, we’ve dispatched over 9 lakh metric tons so far, generating 6000 crores revenue for our farmers and the local economy.”
Kaka Ji stated that nearly 95% of the apples meet high standards despite a relatively dry season and less produce of apples.
“Prices, which dipped mid-season, are now strong, providing much-needed financial relief to our farmers,” he added.
The mandi plays a critical role in the region’s economy, as Sopore town in the Baramulla district is often referred to as the “apple town” of Kashmir Valley.
Approximately 40% of the region’s apple production and sales occur through the Sopore Mandi, which contributes significantly to the GDP of Jammu and Kashmir.
Kaka Ji also praised the improvements made to national highways, which have streamlined the transport of perishable goods, reducing delays and ensuring fresher produce reaches its destination.
However, he urged further government intervention, particularly from Horticulture Minister Javed Ahmad Dhar, to address lingering infrastructure needs and combat the issue of counterfeit pesticides affecting crop quality. “Bolstering infrastructure and pesticide quality control is essential to sustaining the mandi’s growth and protecting our farmers’ livelihoods,” he asserted.
The apples harvested here are shipped to various markets, with exports reaching countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan.
“The Sopore Mandi, established in 1989, has grown significantly and remains essential to our economy,” Kaka Ji noted.
“Around 70% of our population relies on horticulture, involving about 7 lakh families in this trade. Every year, the business expands, and our apples from North Kashmir find their way to international markets.”(KINS)
