Opinion and Editorial
By : Altaf Husain Nadwi
The ongoing US–Iran War 2026 has badly affected Kashmir’s fruit industry. Farmers across the Valley are struggling with rising costs of fertilisers and pesticides, along with major supply problems.
Kashmir is famous for its apples, walnuts, cherries, and other fruits. But growing these crops depends heavily on chemical inputs to keep orchards healthy and productive. Now, due to the war, these essentials have become expensive and harder to find. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Global Shock: Strait of Hormuz Disruption
A major reason behind this crisis is the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest shipping routes.
A large portion of global fertiliser supply passes through this narrow waterway. When tensions rose, shipments were delayed or blocked, leading to sharp price increases:
- Urea prices jumped by more than 30–50%
- Ammonia and phosphate also became much more expensive
- Shipping costs and insurance premiums increased
Even after a ceasefire began in April 2026, normal shipping has not fully resumed. Delays, risks, and uncertainty still remain.
Impact on India’s Fertiliser Supply
India depends heavily on fertiliser imports from the Gulf region. With supply disrupted, shortages have started to appear.
The government responded by increasing subsidies and placing large import orders. However, these steps have not fully solved the problem. Prices remain high, especially for farmers who rely heavily on these inputs.
Kashmir’s Fruit Growers Under Pressure
Kashmir’s fruit economy is worth thousands of crores and supports lakhs of families. But now, growers are facing a “perfect storm” of problems.
Farmers already suffered huge losses in 2025 due to bad weather and falling prices. Now, rising input costs are making things worse.
The Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union has warned that many farmers may not be able to afford enough fertiliser or pesticides. This could lead to:
- Lower fruit production
- Poor quality apples and other fruits
- Higher risk of pests and diseases
In key fruit areas like Shopian, Sopore, Pulwama, and Anantnag, growers are especially worried about the coming seasons.
Rising Costs Across the Board
The crisis is not limited to fertilisers. Fuel prices have also gone up due to the same conflict, increasing transport costs.
From moving fertilisers to farms to transporting fruit to markets like Delhi and Mumbai, everything has become more expensive. This adds extra pressure on farmers who are already struggling.
Long-Term Risks
If the situation continues, the impact could be serious:
- Farmers may produce less fruit due to high costs
- Fruit quality may decline, reducing market prices
- Many small farmers could fall into debt
There is also a risk that some farmers may stop growing fruit altogether if profits keep falling.
What Farmers Are Demanding
Growers in Kashmir are asking the government for urgent support, including:
- Higher subsidies on fertilisers and pesticides
- Compensation for losses
- Better crop insurance schemes
- Action against fake or low-quality farming inputs
- Improved storage and transport facilities
They also want the return of schemes that help stabilise fruit prices in the market.
Outlook
As of April 2026, the situation remains uncertain. The ceasefire has brought some hope, but real relief has not yet reached farmers.
Kashmir’s fruit growers have faced many challenges in the past, but this global crisis is testing them again. Strong government support and stable supply chains will be key to protecting their livelihoods.
For now, farmers are being advised to use inputs carefully, keep track of prices, and stay connected with grower unions.
The coming months will decide how deeply this crisis affects Kashmir’s fruit industry.
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