Kashmir apple farmers reel under low prices, losses
Arshad Farooq
Srinagar, Oct 03 (KINS): Kashmir’s apple growers, who once saw the harvest season as a time of prosperity, are now staring at losses and mounting debt.
This year, apple farmers have received far less than expected for their produce, leaving many disheartened.
Traditionally, an apple box fetched between Rs 1,200 and Rs 1,500 in major markets across India. But this season, growers say they are selling boxes for only Rs 600–900 — nearly half the usual rate.
After accounting for transportation, labour, packaging, and mandi deductions, the net earnings leave little for the farmers to take home.
“The rates are discouraging. We invested heavily in fertilizers, pesticides, and wooden boxes, but what we got in return is not even enough to cover our expenses,” Tariq Ahmad, a farmer from Sopore, told news agency KINS.
One of the main reasons for the slump, growers say, is the frequent closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway during the peak harvest period. The blockades left truckloads of apples stranded, resulting in oversupply at mandis once the road reopened.
“With the accumulation of stock, buyers dictated prices and we had no option but to sell at lower rates,” said Ghulam Nabi, a grower from Shopian. He added that the delayed arrivals also led to losses due to spoilage.
Horticulture is the backbone of Kashmir’s economy, engaging nearly 3.5 million people directly or indirectly. Apple cultivation alone contributes significantly to the Union Territory’s GDP, with Kashmir producing over 50% of India’s apples. But the sector has been facing recurring challenges in recent years, including erratic weather, rising input costs, and transport hurdles.
“This year’s price crash has pushed many into distress,” said Bashir Ahmad, a trader in Sopore. “Even those who advanced payments to farmers earlier in the season are unable to recover their money now.”
Farmers’ associations estimate current losses at several hundred crores of rupees. They are demanding government intervention in the form of a minimum support price (MSP) for apples, restructuring of Kisan Credit Card loans, and better infrastructure to ensure smoother transportation.
“If timely measures are not taken, Kashmir’s apple industry will suffer long-term damage,” warned Irfan Ahmad, an agricultural analyst. (KINS)
