Kashmir Apple Harvest Begins as Experts Warn Early Picking Could Trigger Price Crash

SRINAGAR: The apple harvesting season has officially begun across Kashmir, with farmers starting to pick early high-density apple varieties. While growers are receiving strong prices for premium apples, horticulture experts and fruit traders have warned that harvesting fruit too early could lead to lower prices and damage the reputation of Kashmiri apples. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Strong Prices for Early Apple Varieties

Farmers in the low-lying districts of Pulwama, Shopian and Anantnag have started harvesting premium Gala apples grown in high-density orchards.

The first crop is fetching encouraging orchard-gate prices of ₹100 to ₹150 per kilogram.

Many buyers from different parts of India are purchasing apples directly from orchards, allowing farmers to avoid packing and transportation costs while earning better returns.

High-Density Orchards Changing Apple Farming

The High-Density Plantation Programme, introduced in Jammu and Kashmir more than a decade ago, has transformed apple cultivation.

Unlike traditional apple orchards, which usually take seven to ten years to produce commercial crops, high-density plantations begin yielding fruit within two to three years.

The programme has also improved fruit quality, size and colour, helping growers attract buyers early in the season.

Experts Warn Against Premature Harvesting

Despite the positive start, horticulture experts and fruit traders have urged growers not to pick apples before they are fully mature.

According to industry experts, harvesting under-ripe apples may bring short-term profits but can reduce fruit quality, shorten shelf life and damage consumer confidence.

Senior fruit trader Abdul Rasheed warned that sending immature apples to markets could eventually result in lower prices for all growers.

“Some growers are harvesting apples too early to benefit from the current high prices. While this may provide immediate returns, under-ripe fruit affects quality, reduces shelf life and could lead to a major price fall when larger quantities reach wholesale markets,” he said.

Experts also recalled previous seasons when premature harvesting caused storage problems, including skin damage and quality deterioration, leading to lower prices later in the season.

Horticulture Remains Kashmir’s Economic Lifeline

Apple farming continues to be one of the most important sectors of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy.

According to industry estimates:

• Apple cultivation contributes around 9.5% to Jammu and Kashmir’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
• The sector supports the livelihoods of more than 3.5 million people, including around 7 lakh families.
• Jammu and Kashmir produces over 21 lakh metric tonnes of apples every year, accounting for more than 70% of India’s total apple production.

Quality Key to Better Returns

Industry experts say maintaining proper harvesting standards is essential to protecting the reputation of Kashmiri apples in markets across India.

They have urged growers to harvest fruit only after it reaches full maturity, ensuring better quality, longer shelf life and stable prices throughout the season.