Apple prices dip due to glut in outstation markets

Shopian, April, 30: The apple prices over the last few days has seen a significant dip, causing distress among the traders and cultivators.

Many traders blamed the closures of Jammu-Srinagar National Highway followed by a glut of fruit trucks in outstation mandis.

The pivotal surface transport was disrupted for more or less a week by landslides spurred by a cloudburst.

Mohammad Ashraf Wani, president Fruit Mandi , Shopian told Greater Kashmir that an apple carton weighing 10 to 15 kgs is sold Rs 150 to Rs 200 lower than usual prices.

He said that many fruit laden trucks reached wholesale markets outside the Valley  at the same time, causing a dip in price.

"This sudden and simultaneous arrival created an oversupply in the market, outpacing demand and leading to a  decline in prices. Farmers and traders suffered losses as a result", believes Wani .

He, however, said that the market would improve soon.

This season, the market largely remained good  and the apple cultivators and traders began selling their produce earlier.

The good prices and steady demand throughout the season  brought optimism among growers.

However, at present 60 lakh apple cartons, making up around 30 to 40 percent, are lying unsold  in different CA storages across Kashmir.

"We hope that the market will improve in coming days", said an apple grower.

He said that the rising temperature could be a cause of concern for growers.

"As the fruit is not transported in refrigerated trucks, it must reach the mandis well on time ", said the  grower.

He said that the Mughal road should also remain open for the fruit trucks.

Apple farmers with produce stored in CA storages expressed hope that the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remains open.

Currently, the CA storages across Kashmir has a storing capacity of over 5 lakh metric tonnes.

In 2020 and 2021, the apple farmers suffered heavy losses due to COVID-19 induces lockdown and closure of Highway due to roadworks.