Apple growers in Kashmir hit hard as prices plummet

Shopian, Jan 30: The sharp decline in apple prices in recent weeks has become a cause for significant concern among apple growers and traders in Kashmir.

A-grade quality apples, which were fetching between Rs 1300 to Rs 1500 per box during October and November at different mandis outside Kashmir, have seen a substantial drop. Presently, these A-grade apples are being sold for Rs 900 to Rs 1150 per box.

Similarly, the prices of B-grade apples have witnessed a decline of Rs 200 to Rs 250 per box. This unexpected and rapid fall in apple prices has raised apprehensions among the apple farming community, impacting their income and financial stability.

The apple traders and growers attribute the dip in prices to the surge in imports from foreign countries and the preferences of growers and traders to stockpile the produce to CA storages, particularly at a time when markets were witnessing high demand in outside states. The fruit growers are foreshadowing a heavy impact on the produce stored in CA storage.

“If the prices do not improve, it will impact the produce stored in different CA storages," said Mohammad Ashraf Wani, a fruit grower and former president of Fruity Mandi Shopian.

He said that the imports from Afghanistan, Iran, Washington and Turkey had led to a significant drop in prices.

Presently, around 2 to 2.50 lakh metric tons of apples are stored in different CA storages across Kashmir.

“The CA storage charges for an Apple crate, weighing 16 kgs is between Rs 28 to Rs 32. It is in addition to packaging and freight charges," said Wani.

He said that as per the present market rates, the production costs surpassed the prices received on the produce.

Wani said that the traders in October and November procured the produce at higher rates, anticipating much higher prices ahead.

During the harvesting season, the cultivators fetched good prices, given a comparatively low yield and high market demand.

Mushtaq Ahmad Malik, president of Fruit Growers and Zamindar Association told Greater Kashmir that a drop in prices had caused concern among the apple traders and growers.

He, however, said that it was the fruit stored at room temperatures that fetched low prices due to its reduced quality.

“ I hope that the produce stored in CA storages fetch good prices," said Malik.

He said that a decline in prices “is a concern for the growers and traders."