Srinagar, Sept 23 (KNS): Kashmir's apple industry, a major contributor to the region’s economy, is facing mounting pressure due to the lack of modern cold storage facilities, inefficient transport systems, and the absence of a clear export and pricing policy. As thousands of metric tons of apples pour in from orchards during peak harvest, growers are struggling to preserve and market their produce.

The region produces nearly 10 lakh metric tons of A-grade apples annually. However, most of this high-quality produce lacks access to Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage units. Meanwhile, C-grade apples, which form a large portion of the harvest, often go to waste due to the absence of fruit processing units.

Growers say the situation worsens every year, especially for small and medium orchard owners who cannot afford to build private storage or secure fast transportation.

"Every season, we end up selling at throwaway prices because we can’t store the apples. The government talks about schemes, but on the ground, there is nothing for farmers like us," said Abdul Majid Lone, an orchardist from Shopian.

Fayaz Ahmad Dar, a grower from Sopore, added, "We don’t have CA storage facilities here.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelEven if some units exist in big towns, small growers like me can’t access them easily. By the time we get transport, half the crop is damaged."

Experts also point to the growing production from high-density apple orchards, which have significantly increased yield but require quicker and more efficient post-harvest handling.

"The volume of fruit has increased, but infrastructure has not kept pace. We need at least 100 more CA storage units in the Valley," said Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, a grower and trader from Anantnag.
In addition to cold storage, the lack of a formal export policy and minimum support price (MSP) continues to hurt the sector. Many farmers believe that without institutional support, they are left to deal with volatile markets and rising post-harvest losses.
Stakeholders urged the government to invest in cold chains, build fruit processing plants, and create regulated markets for pesticide use and pricing.

Without immediate intervention, the region’s apple growers fear continued losses and a decline in Kashmir’s position in India’s fruit economy.(KNS)