Kashmiri apple farmers endure losses as charges fall by 40 per cent

The fruit growers and consumers in Kashmir are deeply involved, saying they face losses because of the low demand for apples.

Talking with the information company—Kashmir Information Observer (KNO), growers and consumers expressed their dismay over the present state of affairs, saying there was a drastic lower in apple costs in comparison with the charges throughout the principle apple season in October-November 2023.

Mohamad Ashraf, a fruit grower from Shopian, mentioned he was provided Rs 1,200 per apple field in November final 12 months however opted to retailer them in a chilly retailer at Lassipora.

Nonetheless, he now finds himself receiving solely round Rs 800 per field, a lot decrease than the anticipated charges of Rs 1,800-2,000.

Equally, Shakeel Ahmad, an apple dealer, lamented buying high-quality apples at Rs 1,000-1,500 per field final November, solely to search out that the present promoting worth has dropped to Rs 1,000 per field.

Ahmad mentioned there was anticipation for elevated demand within the spring season, which led growers and consumers to retailer apples in chilly storage.

Nonetheless, the anticipated surge in demand didn’t materialise, leading to substantial monetary losses.

Azhar Anjum, the supervisor of a chilly retailer, confirmed the downward pattern in apple costs, saying that charges have plummeted by Rs 300-400 per field.

At present, Kulu bins are being bought for round Rs 1,000 per field, whereas Scrumptious apples fetch solely about Rs 800, he mentioned.

Regardless of incurring bills of round Rs 300-400 per field on chilly storage prices, growers and consumers are struggling to realize even the charges attained throughout the principle season final 12 months.

Bashir Ahmad Basheer, chairman of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Sellers Union, expressed concern over the losses confronted by consumers because of the lack of demand this 12 months in comparison with the earlier 12 months.

“Whereas growers might not bear as a lot loss, consumers are grappling with substantial monetary setbacks, having bought apples at larger charges throughout a interval of better demand,” he mentioned.

The drop in costs could also be attributed to a number of causes together with the lifting of import obligation on apples from the west and the inflow of the crop from the center jap nations together with Iran.

Communist Get together of India (Marxist) chief, Mohammed Yusuf Tarigami had warned final 12 months that the lifting of import obligation on American apples by a number of % will result in discount in shopping for of Kashmiri apples. (with inputs from KNO)