Golden Harvest: Ganderbal's Apple Boom Delights Farmers

Ganderbal, Oct 6: The apple orchards of Ganderbal district in central Kashmir are abuzz with activity as the harvest season reaches its peak. Farmers across the region are reporting a bumper crop, expressing satisfaction with both quality and quantity of this year's yield.

Ganderbal, already famous for its cherries, grapes, strawberries, and watermelons, is now making its mark in apple production. Areas like Batwina, Zazna, Kangan, and Lar are emerging as apple-growing hotspots, with farmers increasingly dedicating large fields to orchards.

Ghulam Hassan Lone, an apple grower from Batwina village, home to some of the largest orchards in the area, is optimistic about this year's harvest. "The production this year has been excellent, and market demand is strong," he said. "Our apples are not only popular within Kashmir but are also being shipped across India."

The burgeoning apple industry is providing livelihoods to many in the region, complementing Jammu and Kashmir's robust horticulture and agriculture sectors, which contribute significantly to the UT's economy.

However, farmers are calling for more support from local agriculture and horticulture departments. "With proper information, knowledge, and awareness, we could improve our yields and income even further," said one grower who has been in the business for a decade.

As the golden apples of Ganderbal make their way to markets, farmers are hopeful that consumers will continue to prefer locally grown fruit. The success of this year's harvest not only showcases the region's agricultural potential but also highlights the need for continued support and education to help farmers maximize their returns in this fruitful endeavor.