Cherries are vital to Kashmir’s horticulture, especially after the strawberry harvest. The peak harvesting season is in the next two weeks and will continue until mid-June.The Makhmali and Double varieties are harvested from the second week of May, while the highly sought-after Mishri variety will be ready in the first week of June.Villages like Lar, Waliwar, Chuntwaliwar, Gutlibagh, and Zazna in Ganderbal district produce diverse cherry varieties.
Despite the harvesting momentum, low market prices disappoint farmers. “Currently, 1 kg of Italy variety sells for Rs 80 to 100 at the Fruit Mandi,” said Ghulam Hassan from Lar. Farmers had hoped for better market rates after suffering losses due to COVID-19 lockdowns and bad weather in recent years. This year, they expect better returns.
“Despite a bumper cherry crop this year, growers are distressed due to low demand and falling prices,” said grower Jahanzeb Alam. Kashmir produces four types of cherries: Awwal Number, Double, Mishri, and Makhmali, with Mishri and Makhmali being exported to other states.
Cherries are highly perishable with a short shelf-life and are the first domestic fruit to enter the market. Ganderbal district, with around 1,200 hectares dedicated to cherry cultivation, produces about 60% of Kashmir’s cherries. Around 5,000 growers in areas like Chunt Waliwar, Gulabpora, Lar, Gutlibagh, Wakura, Dab, Batwina, and parts of Kangan are involved in cherry cultivation.
